SUBSCRIPTION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 RAMADAN 19, 1438 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Smart devices, The journey to Warriors join Bulls, and apps help statehood long Lakers, Celtics on disabled kids for Iraq’s Kurds NBA’s greats list

Imsak Fajr Shorook Duhr Asr Maghrib Isha 3 10 20 03:03 03:13 04:48 11:48 15:22 18:48 20:21 Heavy rain, landslides kill Min 31º Max 49º at least 92 in Bangladesh High Tide 03:05 &13:10 Low Tide Rain-triggered landslides bury homes; 7 missing 07:59 & 20:55 40 PAGES NO: 17256 150 FILS

CHITTAGONG: Heavy monsoon rains and Jordanian King in Kuwait landslides have killed at least 92 people in southeast Bangladesh, burying many in their homes as they slept, authorities said yesterday. Three young children from the same family were among those killed in the disaster, which comes just weeks after a cyclone battered the region and destroyed camps housing thousands of Rohingya refugees. Police warned that the death toll would likely rise as emergency workers reached remote parts of the Chittagong Hills, where telephone and transport links had been cut. Many of the victims were from poor tribal communities in the remote hill district of Rangamati, close to the Indian border, where 60 people were killed when mudslides buried their homes. One woman described the ground sliding from beneath their family home in the dead of night, sending them fleeing to a house KUWAIT: Jordanian King Abdullah II and an accompanying delegation arrived in Kuwait yes- next door. terday on a brotherly visit to offer congratulations to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- “A few other families also took shelter Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on the fasting month of Ramadan. On arrival, the Jordanian there, but just after dawn a section of hill Monarch was received by His Highness the Amir, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh fell on the house. Six people are still miss- Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al- ing,” Khatiza Begum told local news web- Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and other top officials. — KUNA site Bangla Tribune at Rangamati hospital. BANDARBAN: Bangladeshi fire fighters search for bodies after a landslide in Continued on Page 13 Bandarban yesterday. — AFP Eid holidays Mass food poisoning in Iraq KUWAIT: The State Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information Sheikh Mohammed Al-Abdullah has announced that Eid Al-Fitr holidays HASSAN SHAM U2 CAMP, Iraq: A mass about 20 kilometers east of Mosul. will be three days if the first day of Eid falls on food poisoning at a camp for the dis- The food was meant for an iftar, a Sunday, June 25. This indicates that June 26 and placed near the northern city of Mosul meal with which Muslims break their June 27 will be holidays and work will resume on killed at least two people and sickened dawn-to-dusk fasting during the holy June 28. However, if it falls on Monday, June 26, over 700, Iraq’s health minister said yes- month of Ramadan. Hamoud said at least Sunday June 25 will be a rest day and Monday June terday, becoming the latest battleground 300 people remain in serious condition. 26 will be declared the first day of Eid. In that case, in the crisis engulfing Qatar and a string She refused to speculate whether the Tuesday and Wednesday will be official holidays of other Arab nations. A woman and a poisoning might have been intentional. and Thursday will be another rest day, as it falls girl died and at least 200 people were Amira Abdulhaliq, from the United between two working days. Work will officially rushed from the desert tent camp to hos- Nations’ refugee agency, said it remains resume on Sunday, July 2. pitals in the nearby city of Irbil. unclear at which point in preparing, An Iraqi lawmaker who visited the packaging, transporting or distributing camp overnight and Saudi state televi- the meals, the food became contaminat- sion quickly accused a charity from Qatar ed. “So far, we have received around 800 of providing the tainted food. The claims cases, around 200 have been transported could not be independently confirmed to the hospitals in Irbil,” she said. and Qatari officials did not immediately At midday yesterday, medics were answer calls for comment. In Baghdad, treating patients in a large tent at the Health Minister Adila Hamoud told The edge of the camp. About 20 to 30 Associated Press that 752 people patients, mostly small children, lay on AL-KHAZIR: Iraqis staying at the Al-Khazir camp swim in a river near the camp for became ill after a meal the previous blankets on the floor as several more internally displaced people, located between Arbil and Mosul. —AFP Avoid hypocrisy evening at the Hassan Sham U2 camp, Continued on Page 13 By Hassan Twaha Bwambale Trump sued over ‘benefits’ IS wages fierce ne of the aspects of hypocrisy is to be double- WASHINGTON: Maryland and the US capital sued while in office. “The suit alleges that president Trump is fla- faced. When a double-faced person is with President Donald Trump yesterday, saying he is breaking grantly violating the constitution, which explicitly bars battles in Raqa you, he praises you, but when he departs laws by raking in money from foreign governments and presidents from receiving gifts or inducements from for- O businesses at his luxury hotels and office towers. eign or domestic government entities,” said Washington from you, he criticizes and backbites you. This behav- BEIRUT: Islamic State group jihadists waged fierce ior is abhorred in all faiths. During the time of The lawsuit said heavy spending by foreign diplomats Attorney General Karl Racine. “Never in the history of this battles yesterday in their Syrian stronghold Raqa in a Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), there were some peo- and embassies at the Trump International Hotel just a few country have we had a president with these kinds of exten- bid to repel US-backed fighters advancing towards ple who would claim to be Muslims yet actually they blocks from the White House, payments by foreign entities sive business entanglements. Or a president who refused to the walls of the Old City. The Kurdish and Arab fight- were not. They employed their hypocrisy to mali- at his Trump Tower and Trump International Tower in New adequately distance themselves from their holdings,” ers of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) entered ciously tarnish the reputation of Islam. York, and other business operations effectively violate the Racine said. Raqa a week ago, after months of fighting to encircle US Constitution’s ban on presidents enriching themselves Continued on Page 13 Allah Almighty made Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the northern city that has become a jihadist bastion. aware of their dirty motives and vile actions. He said Since then, they have seized one neighborhood in what can be translated as, “And when they meet western Raqa and another in the east, where they those who believe, they say, ‘We believe,’ but when are now battling to secure control of the Al-Senaa they turn back to their supporters (among polythe- district that leads to the Old City. ists and hypocrites), they say, ‘truly, we are with you, Jihan Sheikh Ahmed, spokeswoman for the SDF verily, we were but mocking.’ Allah will punish them campaign for Raqa, said the jihadist group was put- for their mockery and give them increase in their ting up stiff resistance. “There is fierce fighting against wrongdoing to wander blindly.” (Quran 2:14-15) Daesh which is making heavy use of mines and The hypocrites in whose hearts is a disease are snipers and sometimes car bombs,” she said, using the chronically fearful. Their disease is manifested in dis- Arabic acronym for IS. She said clashes in Al-Senaa loyalty to any legitimate cause, lack of courage, low were continuing yesterday. The Syrian Observatory for self-confidence, dislike of team-work, and closed- Human Rights monitor also reported heavy IS attacks mindedness. In our daily lives, we see a lot of people against SDF fighters in the area. “The district is not yet who approach us and flatter us because they need completely secured because of the repeated jihadist something from us. But after they leave, they cast attacks,” the Britain-based group said. aspersions on us and call us all sorts of names. Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman said the Abu Huraira narrated that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “You will find people like minerals (some capture of Al-Senaa would be the SDF’s “most impor- are more valuable than others). Those who were the tant advance in the battle for Raqa because it brings best in the era before my advent (jahiliyya) will be them to the centre of the city.” “The main battle for the best after reverting to Islam if they learn about Raqa will take place in the city centre,” he said. He their religion properly. You will also find out that added that a large number of IS fighters were holed among the best people in Islam are those who used up in the Old City, where the jihadist group is also to be staunch enemies of Islam. You will also discover believed to have dug tunnels to facilitate their that the worst person is the one who is double-faced, defense of the area. Since entering Raqa on June 6, who approaches some people with one face and the SDF has captured the eastern neighborhood of approaches others with another.” (Reported by Al- KUWAIT: A cannon shot is fired at Nayef Palace in Kuwait City, signaling the end of the long fasting day. Muslims Al-Meshleb, as well as Al-Rumaniya in the city’s west. Bukhari # 3,493 and Muslim # 2,526 and # 199) throughout the world are marking the month of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar during It is now battling to push from Al-Rumaniya into Continued on Page 13 which devotees fast from dawn until dusk. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat neighboring Hatin district. — AFP LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Chairman of the Arab and —Amiri Diwan and KUNA photos International Relations Council Mohammad Al-Sagr.

His Highness the Premier Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah meets with Chairman and members of the Sheikh His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Journalism Excellence Award’s Higher Organizing Committee. meets with His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. Amir vows to carry on with mediation efforts

KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad tinue the efforts to tackle inter-GCC differences. His Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Committee. The reception came on the occasion of the Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has pledged to continue his mediation Highness the Amir, in the efforts to reconcile the GCC Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan award’s 10th anniversary. efforts to reconcile GCC member states. His Highness the countries, had visited Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah. Amir made the pledge in remarks during reception of holding talks with the top leaders that drew much Earlier yesterday, His Highness the Amir received Amir congratulates Sheikha Chairman of the Arab and International Relations Council applause from various quarters. Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Al-Ghanem His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Mohammad Al-Sagr at Bayan Palace. and His Highness Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah sent a cable of congratulations to Sheikha Dana His Highness the Amir pledged that he would not ham- Amir receives message from Moroccan King Al-Sabah. Separately, His Highness the Crown Prince Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah after Dartmouth College pered by fatigue or any difficulties in his quest to re-estab- His Highness the Amir received at Bayan Palace yester- Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received awarded her with Doctorate of Humane Letters. His Highness lish the bonds and tackle the differences among the GCC day Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. Bourita Ghanem, His Highness Sheikh Nasser, as well as the Amir commended Sheikha Dana for award, wishing her States. “It is very difficult for us, we the generation that delivered a verbal message to His Highness the Amir from Mohammad Al-Sagr. success in the service of Kuwait at regional and international established the GCC 34 years ago, to see some members King of Morocco Mohammed VI. The Moroccan Monarch In other news, His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh levels. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- engage in disputes that may lead to dire consequences,” expressed his full support to His Highness the Amir’s Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah received Chairman Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and National Assembly Speaker His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad said. “This a efforts in defusing tension amongst Gulf countries. The and members of the Sheikh Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Marzouq Al-Ghanim also sent cables of congratulations to duty that I will not abandon,” he stressed, pledging to con- meeting was attended by First Deputy Prime Minister and Journalism Excellence Award’s Higher Organizing Sheikha Dana Al-Sabah. —KUNA Materializing 2035 vision inevitable: Diwan Minister

KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan to cooperate with Iraq and Iran on all Affairs Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al- levels with a view to developing Ahmad Al-Sabah underlined regional economy and trade, as well inevitability of materializing vision of as achieving peace. In this vein, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Sheikh Nasser pointed out, “We are in Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the New good terms with our brothers in Iraq Kuwait 2035, especially in regards to in this regard,” adding that Kuwait’s islands and Silk City projects. This Mubarak Port and Iraq’s Faw Port came during a public panel organized would “cooperate not compete.” He by Kuwait Journalists’ Association at also revealed that he recently met Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah last night. with Iranian Ambassador to Kuwait Ali Highlighting vitality of both proj- Enayati, during which the possibility ects to local economy, opening vistas of Tehran’s contribution to the islands’ KUWAIT: Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Adnan Al-Bahar speaks of cooperation with world countries project was discussed. Sheikh Nasser Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- during the panel. and maintaining regional security, Meanwhile, member of general Sabah speaks during the public panel . Sheikh Nasser, also head of the team policies and administrative develop- tasked with activating the 2035 ment committee at the Supreme vision, said the islands’ project Council for Planning Adnan Al-Bahar stemmed from the region’s geogra- said the Hong Kong-simulated islands’ phy and strategic position. project will be under Kuwait’s sover- This project would also contribute eignty, yet legislatively, financially and KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem meets with to helping other countries improve administratively independent. Russian Ambassador to the country Alexey Solomatin. —KUNA their respective infrastructure and The ambitious projects are antici- facilities, as well as sea trade, he said, pated to bring about an economic signaling out Iran and Iraq as impor- and trade shift in Kuwait that will in Speaker meets with tant regional countries to Kuwait. turn would contribute to His The north of the Gulf area would Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- turn into an exceptional free trade Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s vision of Russian envoy zone; a fertile environment to attract transforming Kuwait into an interna- investments, he noted, pointing out tional financial and trade hub. The KUWAIT: National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem met yesterday with Russian that that Kuwait was, and still, enjoys projects are also part of the state’s Ambassador to Kuwait Alexey Solomatin. During the meeting, the Russian ambassador a “port culture” all the way back 2017 developmental plan of five conveyed the willingness of the Russian parliament to coordinate with the Kuwaiti when it was a stop for mail delivery objectives and seven pillars through National Assembly regarding issues and subjects to be addressed during the 137th Inter- A general view of people attending the public panel on ‘New to Basra in 1775. 164 projects, 30 of which deemed Parliamentary Union (IPU) due in Saint Petersburg in October. MP Salah Khurshid was pres- Kuwait 2035.’ —KUNA photos He added that Kuwait is fully ready strategic. —KUNA ent at the meeting. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah and ministry officials pose for a group photo dur- Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Sheikh Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah greets ing a visit to the Special Forces Camp. —KUNA officers during the visit. Interior Minister urges officers to be vigilant against regional circumstances

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Deputy Premier and Interior made the remarks during a visit to the Special social bonds, the ministry said in a statement. Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Minister Minister Sheikh Khaled Jarrah Al-Sabah called on Forces Camp, where he had an iftar meal with the Sheikh Khaled commended the special forces Jaber Al-Sabah. The minister expressed gratitude Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for senior officials Monday to be vigilant vis-a-vis cir- personnel, a usual gesture among leadership and for their dedication, and said their achievements for His Highness the Amir, His Highness the their support of the Ministry’s personnel, and cumstances facing the region. Sheikh Khaled officers of the ministry aimed at strengthening were attributed to instructions and vision of His Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber appreciation of their sacrifices. —KUNA LOCAL WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 Smart devices, apps help disabled News in brief

children to overcome challenges France supports Kuwait’s efforts KUWAIT: Smart electronic devices and wide range, “a spectrum,” of symptoms, Spina Bifida that these devices are to blame for the PARIS: France affirmed yesterday its support to Kuwait’s applications could be a curse for children, skills, and levels of disability such as diffi- Ali Al-Hadi has a bit different story from steadily growth children’s learning difficul- efforts in defusing tension amongst Gulf countries. A state- but they are a blessing for peers with spe- culty communicating and interacting with that of Omar. Hadi, two years and a half ties, hypertension, speech delay, isolation, ment by the French Foreign Ministry stated that France has cial needs. Numerous studies have shed others; and repetitive behaviors as well as Kuwaiti boy, was diagnosed with Spina obesity, lethargy, nervousness, and a heap close relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) lights on the grave impacts of electronic limited interests or activities. Directly after Bifida which is a birth defect where there is of other psychological, physical and behav- states and all other partners in the region. It stressed that devices, smart phones and tablets, on chil- the diagnosis, his family started a long incomplete closing of the backbone and ioral disorders. it is necessary to deescalate Gulf tensions and to meet treatment journey at home and abroad. membranes around the spinal cord. “Taking into account the graveness of hopes and expectations of the Gulf people. His Highness Firstly, Omar was sent to the United His mother, Ghadeer Baqer, uses smart the problem, I have recently written a post the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah dis- States where he stayed for two years devices applications and social networking (on social networking sites) about my plan cussed with France’s President Emmanuel Macron on receiving intensified therapy sessions, sites to spread awareness about Spina to hold a symposium for parents to raise Monday by phone bilateral ties, issues of common interest each takes up to eight hours a day. Then Bifida which few people know anything awareness and warn them about the neg- and latest regional developments. —KUNA he was transferred to a specialized med- about and offer counseling and help to ative impacts of such devices and how ical center in the United Arab Emirates to pregnant mothers whose fetus was diag- work out solutions and create alterna- complete treatment. Upon returning nosed as having the same illness. tives,” he said. Israeli schemes home, his family employed to a special “These applications and sites have also “The idea was greatly welcomed by a doctor to help the child develop required helped me create a community for families huge number of followers, many of whom CAIRO: Kuwait on Monday called on Arab and African skills for his everyday life. with Spina Bifida children to support each expressed willingness to volunteer to help nations to work together and stand in face of Israel “Since his conceptions 10 years ago, I other,” Baqer said. She has also used the organize this symposium and provide more nomination for membership in the UN Security have never heard the voice of my son,” tear- electronic devices to show Al-Hadi video advices and specialized information about Council (2019-2020). This came in a statement by the ful mother Sara Jarragh said. “To communi- clips of other Spina Bifida peers and how the psychological and social effects of the advisor at the Kuwaiti permanent mission at the Arab cate with him, we restored to sign lan- they take their medications and use assis- electronic devices on children.” League, Mohammad Nahi Al-Alati, following an guage and then moved to photo cards. But tive devices to help them walk and live He went on to say “after my first meeting extraordinary session of the Council of the Arab when he was in the United Arab Emirates, their daily life. with volunteers, the idea evolved from a League. It was dedicated for discussing the Palestinian one of his doctors advised us to use a smart “I wanted to ease some of his emotional one-time symposium to an integrated cam- cause an Israel’s mounting infiltration in Africa. The application to help Omar express himself, suffering and to show him that he is not paign, themed device-free time.” The cam- meeting was held upon a request by the State of his needs and communicate with others.” the sole child going through this difficult paign attracted a slew of doctors, special- Palestine, with support from the Arab States including She pointed out that the application can situation,” she said. Baqer, however, said ists, technicians and administrators and Kuwait, Alati confirmed, indicating that mechanisms be downloaded and installed on smart that she is not for using electronic devices parents and sets set of goals and executive were being worked out for joint Arab-African action phones and other electronic devices such for playing and entertainment at this age. plans, he said. “These people are eager to against the Israeli schemes to occupy a seat in the as tablets. This application includes many “At this age, real-world playing, talking work to educate parents, educators and UNSC, in elections due in 2018. He also confirmed that sections which cover different aspects of with family members and acquiring cogni- raise children awareness about the dangers the conferees discussed Israel’s schemes in Africa and life such as colors, shapes, animals, plants, tive and physical skills are greatly better and negative impacts of the excessive use prospected consequences in the event Israel has won and people, from which Omar chooses than being glued in front of screens of elec- of smart devices on both children and their a UNSC seat. —-KUNA what he wants to build a sentence which tronic devices,” she said. “He is fond of cars families,” he clarified. the app loudly utters on his behalf. “This and knew the Arabic and English names of He pointed out that the campaigners app has become the voice of voiceless peo- different vehicles, cars and trucks. He also seek to spread awareness through social Plane damaged dren’s health and behavior, but for children ple,” Jarragh said, describing the app as “a loves animals and dinosaurs and likes mak- networking sites, seminars, workshops, KUWAIT: A Kuwait Airways plane suffered minor damage with special needs, they have proved to be major breakthrough.” ing shapes with clay.” courses as well as visits to schools and civil when the tow bar from a push-back tractor snapped caus- instrumental in helping them better com- Jarragh said that she has read about the societies. He noted that the success ing the vehicle to hit the aircraft, the company said in a municate and integrate into the society. negative impacts of electronic devices on To blame achieved by the campaign in its first activi- statement. No one was hurt. “All passengers were safely off- When Mohammad Omar, a 10-year-old children, but the use of electronic devices But Pediatrics and Emergency ty last month, which included lectures for a loaded” and are all safe, the company added. Kuwait Kuwaiti boy, was two years and eight was a blessing for the case of her son. “I Consultant Dr Abdullah Shamsah begged number of specialists and workshops for Airways Airbus 320, which was bound to Trivandrum, India, months, he was diagnosed with autism would continue using such kind of apps till to differ. Despite some positive and useful children to learn how to enjoy their time suffered some minor damage to its underside area, it spectrum disorder, ASD, which includes a I hear the voice of my son,” she stressed. usage of electronic devices, he believes away from smart devices. —KUNA added. An investigation is underway to know cause of the break in the tow bar, it added. Kuwait Airways remains committed to safety is fully compliant with Kuwait’s Local animal Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and interna- shelter K’S PATH tional safety regulations, it affirmed. —KUNA announces closure

KUWAIT: Local animal welfare organization K’S PATH announced yesterday that it will be closing down as of Crime December 2017. In a statement sent to the media, Report Sheikha Fatima Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Chairperson of Kuwait Society for the Protection of Animals and Their Habitat (K’S PATH) announced the decision, noting that Child molester arrested all the remaining animals in the K’S PATH shelter in KUWAIT: A bedoon in his twenties was arrested for molest- Wafra will be either adopted out in Kuwait or rehomed ing three children after luring them from schools and in front abroad and that no animals would be put to death. of their homes. Farwaniya detectives moved after crimes No specific details were given for the closure or infor- were committed against three Egyptian girls, and were able mation on what will happen to the shelter in Wafra. In to arrest him. The crimes took place at the end of the school the statement, Sheikha Fatima indicated that the deci- year, and were discovered when an Egyptian man took his sion “was made based on the knowledge that Kuwait’s 12-year-old daughter to Andalus police station and told animals and environment will be cared for by compas- them she was kidnapped and raped by a man she does not sionate people in the community” and referenced the know, who brought her back to school and then escaped. new animal protection and environment laws. Few days later, another Egyptian complained against a man K’S PATH has provided welfare services for thou- who raped his daughter in front of the building where she sands of animals, organized beach cleanups, provided lives, while a third Egyptian said his 11-year-old daughter was volunteer opportunities and educational programs raped by a man, and he could not catch him, though he was able to determine his features. Detectives moved swiftly and and initiatives to reduce feral street cat and stray dog Sheikha Fatima Mubarak Al-Sabah were able to arrest him, and he was identified by the father populations. who saw him. Investigations are underway. New services included in Dozen evacuated Prince kidnaps children A Gulf prince is wanted by the Interpol after he kid- retirees health insurance napped his son and daughter from his Kuwaiti ex-wife, from burning house and escaped to a Gulf country. A source said the citi- By A Saleh expatriate teachers were way below bar. Fares zen who was divorced by the prince after having two said that a future plan will be set to provide learn- children from him, and has custody for both, allowed KUWAIT: Presided by minister Dr Jamal Al-Harbi, ing opportunities for all high school graduates in By Hanan Al-Saadoun an expat for practicing fraud, sorcery and vice, her husband to take them out and bring them back at the Ministry of Health’s undersecretaries council higher education facilities and institutions. said security sources. Case papers indicate that the end of the day but he did not, so she informed held a meeting yesterday where they decided to Academically, Fares stressed that the ministry KUWAIT: A fire broke out in a house in Al-Qurain, detectives had been tipped off concerning the police. Police investigations revealed that the prince include cardiac services, tumors, dental fittings was currently consulting with Saudi Arabia’s said security sources noting that firemen from suspect’s activities. When they raided his had left the country with the children, so he was and knee surgeries in the new tender for the national center for educational development to Qurain and Mubarak Al-Kabeer rushed to the house, detectives found large sums of money charged with kidnapping. The Interpol was asked to retirees health insurance project ‘Afya.’ The coun- make use of the kingdom’s experience. scene and rescued 12 people who were trapped he admitted to collecting from women he had arrest him and bring the two children back. cil’s secretary general and assistant undersecretary by the flames. The fire, which had started in the lured into his house to get sorcery services. for services affairs Dr Mahmoud Al-Abdul Hadi said Connection first floor, was controlled. A fireman was injured in that the new tender will be offered for public bid- The private education directorate seeks to the process. Expired food Homicide investigation ding soon. Commenting on plans to increase become electronically connected and to automate Hawally municipality inspection teams Farwaniya prosecution placed the name of an Indian man on expats health services’ fees, Abdul Hadi re-affirmed all transactions and procedures done with the Fatal crash raided an unlicensed warehouse in Salmiya the wanted list, as there have doubts that he may have killed the statements made by minister Harbi about Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Manpower A stateless person died when his vehicle collid- where expired food items were stored. Team his wife. A security source said the reason behind the crime imposing the increase on visiting expats first. Public Authority, said informed sources noting that ed into a light post along the Fifth Ring Road, said leader Riyadh Al-Rabee noted that 5,663 kilo- may be his wife’s infidelity, as the apartment they lived in is all Arab, foreign and bilingual private schools were security sources. A case was filed to determine the grams of expired dairy products and juices shared by another man. There were signs of violence on the KAC board urged to provide the directorate with full data circumstances which led to the accident. were confiscated and destroyed. Rabee added woman’s body which suggests a fight had taken place. The Chairman of the parliament’s committee about their staffs. The sources said that the schools that the store was also fined for dealing in roommate called police after finding the woman’s dead body formed to investigate the resignation of Kuwait received letters from the directorate’s director Sorcery expired food and for operating without a in the house which was recovered by the coroner. Airway’s former board chairperson Rasha Al- Sanad Al-Mutairi demanding the data to be sent in Criminal investigation detectives arrested license. —Translated from Arabic press Roumi, MP Khalil Al-Saleh said that the committee hard copies as well as electronic ones. will meet again today in order to continue the investigation in the presence of Minister of Social Penal measures Affairs and Minister of State for Economic Affairs The Public Authority for the Disabled Affairs’ Ooredoo with Day Out summer Hind Al-Sabeeh. deputy director for educational and rehabilitation services Majed Al-Saleh said that all Arab and for- Geographical limitations eign schools, nurseries and other institutions certi- camp for kids celebrates gergian Minister of Education and Higher Education fied by the authority had been notified to correct Dr Mohammed Al-Fares said that the ministry remarks made by inspection teams within a KUWAIT: Ooredoo, Kuwait’s fastest network, celebrated failed to hire more than 105 Palestinian teachers month in order to avoid further penal measures gergian with hundreds of kids in collaboration with Day for the coming school year due to what he that might go as far as license withdrawal. Saleh Out summer and a musical performance by Sons of described as ‘geographical limitations’. Fares explained that some of the remarks were made Yusuf music band in Jumeirah Hotel. The celebration added that many of the applicants rejected the about the location and suggested finding alterna- included a performance by the band which gained pop- contracts on grounds that the salaries paid to tive ones. ularity for its Kuwaiti-infused hip-hop tunes that are popular with the young generation. Ooredoo reiterated Court adjourns case of its commitment to celebrating events that matter to dif- ferent segments of community, noting that the choice woman accused of joining IS to collaborate with Sons of Yusuf comes in alignment with its deep-rooted values of supporting local talent. By Meshaal Al-Enezi the mobile trucks regulations chart. “This chart Ooredoo also distributed gergian boxes which were was jointly approved by the council and Kuwait assembled by children and volunteers during the com- KUWAIT: The criminal court yesterday rejected a Municipality’s executive body to support young pany’s volunteer program gergian assembly event request to release a Kuwaiti young woman people wishing to start their own businesses,” he which took place last week. A big portion of the boxes accused of joining the Islamic State (IS) in Sinai, underlined. Moussa said that the chart included was distributed in children’s hospital wards across Egypt. Security sources said that the girl’s case was only 11 activities for which those trucks could be Kuwait over the weekend. Earlier this month, Ooredoo adjourned to hear the defense final argument. licensed. The chart also limited the locations of kicked off its Ramadan program of activities with dis- During an earlier hearing, the 21-year-old woman these trucks in parks, seafronts, beaches, festivity tributing hundreds of meals to the needy workers pled not guilty to the accusations, claiming that areas, camping and chalet areas, sports clubs, across Kuwait City with Ooredoo’s volunteer program she was ‘deceived’ into going to Egypt where she agricultural areas, highways, border centers, the truck. This is in addition to a distribution center in the festive spirits of the holy month. Ooredoo has previous- in manufacturing children toys to be donated to chil- was promised a happy life, but instead was kept scrap and the used cars markets. Meanwhile, company’s Ramadan tent, located across the head office ly collaborated with a number of entities in Kuwait, such dren in need. The program will include participation hostage inside a house where its keepers called Chairman of the board of the food public authori- on Soor Street. The initiatives were executed by as Abdullah Al Nouri institution to aid Syrian refugees in from similar groups. Ooredoo reiterated its commit- her father and demanded a ransom for her release. ty Essa Al-Kandari stressed that the authority will Ooredoo’s own volunteer program members, led by the different part of the world, in addition its collaboration ment to empowering youth and supporting groups that be responsible for issuing the health licenses and company’s Corporate Communications department. with the ‘Kiswat Al Khair’ campaign to distribute clothes focus on volunteer work, and expressed its pride in part- Mobile trucks setting the conditions of those trucks. Kandari Additionally, Ooredoo held an Iftar feast for the chil- for needy families during the holy month. nering with reputable organizations throughout the Head of the Municipal Council’s legal and also stressed that the authority will be responsi- dren of the Kuwait Down Syndrome Center and their Also Ooredoo representatives has conducted a visit month of Ramadan to encourage volunteer financial affairs committee Ali Al-Moussa extend- ble for issuing health certificates for the owners parents and the attending staff as part of its community to ‘Yadawi’ centre to give the volunteers a comprehen- work.Empowering youth is among Ooredoo’s top priori- ed his congratulations to all citizens on passing and operators. outreach and corporate social responsibility, sharing the sive idea about how to recycle waste, sort, and reuse it ties through its CSR strategy. 4 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

ABK staff during the ghabqa. ABK holds ghabqa for employees in celebration of the Holy Month and marking its 50th anniversary

KUWAIT: On the occasion of the Holy Month of Ramadan and the bank’s 50th anniversary, Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) held a ghabqa for its employees to celebrate these two joyous events in the midst of a fun-filled atmosphere. The ghabqa was held on June 7, 2017 at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel with Group CEO Michel Accad open- ing the evening with a warm message to all staff. The event was set up to reflect a 50th anniversary theme, and featured delightful entertainment with a Jazz band followed by a gergian band, along with a selfie stand, and a sketch artist, provided for ABK staff and man- agement to take home pictures as keepsakes. The bank also held a series of exciting draws as a means of rewarding its staff members. Prizes included travel tick- ets to top destinations such as Paris, London, Barcelona, Egypt, India and Dubai, in addition to the latest TV’s and mobile phones. The highlight of the evening was the grand draw for a GMC car, where Ahmad Fadel, a member of the Retail Banking Division team was announced the winner of the grand prize. The employee ghabqa is one of a series of events rolled out by the Bank in recognition of the Holy month. A few of the Bank’s main initiatives this month was the provision of the Holy Quran in braille to the visually impaired, the distribution of food packages to the under- privileged, gergian celebration with Down Syndrome chil- dren, and sponsorship of the Kuwait Youth Basketball Ramadan Tournament.

Grand prize winner Ahmed Fadel with ABK’s Executive Management.

Ghabqa MC Humood Adel. ABK staff during the ghabqa. Traditional Band at the ghabqa.

Organizers of the ghabqa with Michel Accad (ABK Group CEO) and Fawzy Al-Thunayan (GM Board Affairs at ABK). ABK staff during the ghabqa.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 LOCAL

Photo of the day

KUWAIT: Kuwaitis shop at a market during the holy month of Ramadan in downtown Kuwait City on June 12, 2017. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat Al-Sayer Group Holding celebrates gergian Initiative to spread happiness and care KUWAIT: In line with its social initia- segments of the society such as the among joyful audience. The team tives during Ramadan to promote the patients who suffer from chronic and from Al-Sayer consisted of representa- spirit of giving during this holy non-curable diseases. tives from CSR, Employee Events, month in accordance with the Kuwait Al-Sayer Group Corporate Occupational Health and Safety along tradition Al-Sayer Group Holding cel- Excellence Department on this occa- with the event organizer First Step a ebrated gergian with the children. As sion conducted many fun activities nonprofit organization, who shared part of the ongoing CSR efforts Al- including games, quiz sessions, tradi- quality time with the children and Sayer visited Kuwait Palliative Care tional dancing, a face painting, and their parents at the hospital and also Centre to share the happiness and henna sessions with the children and engaged with elderly citizens to cre- blessings of Ramadan with different their families and distributed gifts ate positive and relaxed atmosphere.

KUWAIT: KFH officials pose with the honorees and their parents. KFH honors top high school grads in Kuwait

KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) their achievement and to deliberately Aosaimi, top Kuwaiti student-arts held a ceremony to honor top high choose the specialization that suits division, Ali Othman Al-Ali, top stu- school graduates in Kuwait for the them while contributes in achieving dent in Kuwait- the Institute of year 2016-2017 in the scientific, arts, the goal of working towards develop- Religious Studies, Shaymaa Al- special needs divisions in addition to ment, prosperity and a knowledge- Asaousi and Heba Al-Ali, top Kuwaiti the Students of the Institute of based society. The honoring encom- student- the Institute of Religious Religious Studies. This honoring passed 11 male and female students Studies, Basma Al-Saeidi, top stu- emanates from KFH’s endeavors to who were awarded appreciation cer- dent in Kuwait- special needs/ arts recognize the distinguished students tificates and cash prizes to be deposit- division, and Rashed Al-Ajmi, Reem while part of the bank’s social respon- ed in their bank accounts. Sultan, Abdulwahhab Abo Shaiba, sibility, since education plays a promi- The honorees are: Wafaa Saed, top Kuwaiti students- special nent role in the comprehensive top student in Kuwait-science divi- needs/science division. The students development. sion, Munerah Mubarak Al-Ghareeb, and their parents hailed KFH initia- KFH congratulated the top stu- top Kuwaiti student- science divi- tive indicating this reflects the pio- dents and their parents for this suc- sion, Raghad Abu Raya, top student neering role of the bank in assum- KUWAIT: Team members from Al-Sayer, First Step, Kuwait Palliative Care Centre pose for a group picture. cess urging the students to continue in Kuwait-arts division, Hussa ing the social responsibility.

KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait (CBK) participated in a gergian ceremony organized by the Farwaniya Governorate recently by the Farah nursing home as part of its activities during the holy month of Ramadan. Children engage in fun activities. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Rodman returns to Secret Service doesn’t have White House tapes N Korea, hoping ‘to open door’ Page 9 Page 12 Erdogan slams ‘inhumane’ isolation of Qatar US envoy to Qatar to step down l Saudis offer ‘aid’ to Qatar

ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan yesterday slammed the economic and political isolation of Qatar as inhumane and contrary to Islamic values after key Gulf states broke off ties with Ankara’s ally. “Taking action to isolate a country in all areas is inhumane and un-Islamic,” Erdogan said in televised comments to his party in Ankara, after Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain broke off relations with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of supporting “terrorism”. In his strongest comments yet on the crisis, Erdogan added that Qatar was a country “on which a death sentenced had in some way been pronounced”. The crisis has put Turkey in a delicate position as Ankara regards Qatar as its chief ally in the Gulf but is also keen to maintain its improving relations with the key regional power Saudi Arabia. Turkey also is eager to maintain workable relations with Iran, Saudi Arabia’s foe with whom Doha’s critics say Qatar maintained excessively close ties. Erdogan added he would hold three-way phone talks on the crisis later with French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The move by Saudi and its allies came shortly after US President Donald Trump visited Riyadh, with some analysts saying the US leader had emboldened the Saudi leadership. Earlier, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu ANKARA: Turkish President and Chairman of the said that Erdogan would hold talks on the crisis with Trump in the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Recep coming days. Tayyip Erdogan delivers a speech during AK Erdogan vehemently rejected the accusations - already strongly Party’s group meeting at the Grand National denied by Doha - that Qatar supports terrorism, arguing the country Assembly of Turkey yesterday. —AFP Photos had been a staunch opponent of Islamic State (IS) jihadists. “Qatar is a country which, like Turkey, has adopted the most resolute stance Jubeir said Qatar can move goods in and out “whenever they against Daesh (IS),” said Erdogan. “Let’s stop fooling ourselves.” Striking want”. He says Saudi Arabia has allowed families to move between a careful balance, Erdogan stopped short of directly criticizing Saudi countries. Still, Jubeir says Saudi Arabia is willing to provide food and Arabia’s actions but called on Saudi King Salman to show leadership medical supplies through the King Salman Center, a Saudi humanitari- by solving the crisis. “I think that as the elder statesman of the Gulf, the an agency. Saudi Arabia has closed Qatar’s sole land border and joined WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson shake hands with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al- king of Saudi Arabia should solve this affair and show leadership,” said other countries in cutting off sea traffic, leading panicked residents to Jubeir yesterday, shortly before their private meeting at the US Department of State. Erdogan. stockpile food. On Monday, Qatar denounced the sanctions imposed Turkey’s parliament last week approved deploying troops to a against Doha by Saudi Arabia and its allies as “unfair” and “illegal”, as ‘Illegal blockade’ he has made linking Qatar to supporting terror. “I think that President Turkish base in Qatar in what was seen as a show of support for its Britain announced talks to try to resolve the crisis. “Whatever relates to In Doha, Qatar Airways called on the UN’s aviation body to Trump’s comment about my country is ill-placed, ill-informed, and I embattled ally. The agreement does not contain any specific number our foreign affairs... no one has the right to discuss,” Foreign Minister declare the Gulf boycott against the carrier “illegal” and a violation of can again repeat that I’m very disappointed in him.” Qatar announced of troops to be stationed in the base, or when. The curbs placed on Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told reporters during a a 1944 convention on international air transport. In televised inter- Monday that it had launched direct shipping services to ports in gas-rich Qatar have ranged from bans on flag-carrier Qatar Airways visit to Paris. He called for “dialogue based on clear foundations” over views on Monday, Qatar Airways outspoken CEO Akbar Al-Baker Oman in a bid to bypass the Gulf “blockade”. Saudi Arabia has closed using airspace of the countries involved to Saudi Arabia suspending accusations that Qatar supports extremist groups. “Qatar is willing to called the move an “illegal blockade” and urged the United Nations’ the Qatari peninsula’s only land border, threatening imports of both subscription sales and renewals to a Qatar-linked sports broadcaster. sit and negotiate about whatever is related to Gulf security,” he added. civil aviation branch to intervene. Qatar Airways has made Doha a fresh food and raw materials needed to complete a $200 billion infra- In London, British foreign minister Boris Johnson called for calm global hub in just a few years, but industry analysts say banning it structure project for the 2022 football World Cup. However, one US ambassador quits and said he would meet this week with his counterparts from Saudi from Gulf states’ airspace could threaten its position as a major source told AFP on Monday that Qatar’s World Cup preparations con- Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Qatar said yesterday she is leav- Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE. “I have urged all sides to refrain from any transcontinental carrier. tinue “as normal”. Yesterday, Morocco announced it would send food ing her post in Doha, in the midst of the worst diplomatic crisis involv- further escalation and to engage in mediation efforts,” he said. While Al-Baker also criticized US President Donald Trump for comments by plane to Qatar. —Agencies ing America’s Gulf allies in years. “This month, I end my 3 years as US praising Qatar’s restraint during the crisis, he added: “In finding a reso- Ambassador to #Qatar. It has been the greatest honor of my life and I’ll lution, I call on Qatar to take seriously their neighbors’ concerns. Qatar miss this great country,” Dana Shell Smith said on Twitter yesterday. is a partner of the UK in the fight against terrorism but they urgently Shell Smith did not say why she was stepping down, if she was staying need to do more to address support for extremist groups, building on within the diplomatic service or who would replace her. Many US the steps they have already taken to tackle funding to those groups.” In ambassadors leave their posts after serving around three years. Shell Paris, Sheikh Mohammed, who is on a European tour to drum up sup- Smith was appointed ambassador to the Gulf emirate by Barack port for Qatar, said his country had no idea what had provoked the Obama in 2014. Last month she appeared to express dissatisfaction move against it. “It’s not about Iran or Al-Jazeera,” he said, referring to with political events back home in another message posted on social the Qatar-based broadcaster. “We have no clue about the real reasons.” media. She took to Twitter in the hours after Trump’s dramatic sacking But he supported moves by Kuwait to act as a mediator in the dispute of FBI director James Comey, tweeting: “Increasingly difficult to wake “with the help of friendly countries such as the United States,” he up overseas to news from home, knowing I will spend today explain- added. Sheikh Mohammed’s courting of Europe - he has also visited ing our democracy and institutions.” Qatar is home to Al-Udeid, the Germany and Russia in recent days - though did not go down well in largest US airbase in the region, which houses around 10,000 troops. parts of the Gulf. In Washington, Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister insisted there’s no UAE’s foreign minister Anwar Gargash took to Twitter on Monday blockade on Qatar and said his country will provide food and medical to claim Qatar had sought to “internationalize the crisis with its broth- aid if needed. Adel Al-Jubeir said yesterday before a meeting with ers”. And in Kuwait, which has not joined its neighbors in acting Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that Qatar’s ports and airports are against Qatar, foreign minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah open. He said Saudi Arabia has merely denied Qatar use of its airspace, warned that the crisis “may lead to undesirable consequences,” accord- which he said is his country’s sovereign right. ing to a quote on state news agency Kuna.

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump laughs during a Cabinet meeting on Monday in the Cabinet Room of the White House. —AP At Trump’s Cabinet meeting, flattery is flavor of the day

WASHINGTON: They came to praise departure have all proved to be prema- have great hair. Nobody has better hair President Donald Trump, not focus on ture. “On behalf of the entire senior staff than you,” Michelle said. the controversies engulfing him. One by around you, Mr. President, we thank you Priebus was not alone in using the one, Trump’s Cabinet members assem- for the honor and the blessing that opportunity to praise Trump. “It is the bled around the table spoke effusively you’ve given us to serve your agenda greatest privilege of my life to serve as about the president as he sat beaming, and the American people and we’re con- vice president. The president is keeping soaking it all in at the first formal gather- tinuing to work very hard every day to his word to the American people,” said ing of his most senior officials at the accomplish those goals,” Priebus said. Vice President Mike Pence. Agriculture White House on Monday. The lavishing Trump used the meeting to try to Secretary Sonny Perdue, noting the com- of praise and adulation contrasted with show a sense of momentum for his ments from other officials who said they the storm enveloping the president as he agenda after weeks of being engulfed in had recently been abroad, noted wryly: struggles with myriad crises, including an controversy over his May 9 firing of FBI “While we are bragging about interna- investigation into possible ties between Director James Comey, who was heading tional travel I just got back from his election campaign and Russian med- the Russia investigation. “We’ve been Mississippi and they like you there.” dling in the race. about as active as you can possibly be US Ambassador to the United For him, the meeting was a welcome and at a just about record pace,” he said. Nations Nikki Haley, who as governor of rendering of what he feels are major “In just a very short time we are seeing South Carolina had endorsed Trump accomplishments ignored by his detrac- amazing results. People are surprised. It’s opponent Marco Rubio last year, called it tors, even though major legislative kicking in very fast.” “a new day at the United Nations” with achievements have eluded him thus far. But one of his greatest adversaries, Trump in power. “We now have a very There was no one more gushing than Senate Democratic leader Chuck strong voice. People know what the White House chief of staff Reince Priebus, Schumer, put together a mock video of a United States is for. They know what we who is frequently the target of criticism meeting with his staff with aides praising are against. And they see us in a new from long-time Trump advisers and is Schumer. “Michelle, how’d my hair look way across the board. I think the interna- often see as just one misstep away from coming out of the gym this morning?” tional community knows we are back,” being ousted, even though rumors of his Schumer asks, turning to one staffer. “You she said. —Reuters WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Migrant influx shifting but no let-up: Frontex

WARSAW: The migrants pouring into Europe have often exploited as prostitutes in Europe. “It’s not the glers. At the bottom of the ladder there are petty mal system of payment based on trust that is far changed routes: The crossing between Turkey and poorest who leave, because they have to be able to crooks, sometimes migrants themselves, who more difficult to trace than bank transfers. Greece is practically closed, but ever greater num- pay the smugglers,” said Leggeri. become the skippers of the small overloaded boats bers are risking their lives to cross the According to the International Organization for to pay for their own crossing, according to Leggeri. What are the main routes? Mediterranean between Libya and Italy. A criminal Migration (IOM), of the more than one million peo- Then there are the middlemen who collect the mon- Migrants from west Africa begin by taking the industry has flourished, while the European Union ple who made it to Europe in 2015, 850,000 crossed ey and organize the trip but who do not board. Their bus, Leggeri said. The territory of the Economic has beefed up its border agency Frontex to try to into Greece via the Aegean Sea. More than half came bosses are the network chiefs who “likely include Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is check the mass migration. Frontex is at once both from Syria and most of the rest from Afghanistan people who previously worked in the police force” in somewhat similar to the visa-free Schengen zone, as good cop and bad cop, rescuing migrants from sink- and Iraq. Following a landmark EU-Turkey accord in Libya, Leggeri said. individuals can travel freely within it for a modest fee ing boats but also dropping them off at welcome March 2016, the total number arriving in Europe by of around Є20. Once the migrants arrive in Niamey, centres where they risk being sent back home. sea fell that year to around 363,000, IOM figures How much money is involved? capital of Niger, the illegal activity begins and they Frontex head Fabrice Leggeri summed up the situa- show. But as the number of arrivals in Greece Coming up with an estimate is not easy but must fork out up to 150 euros each to reach the tion in an interview with AFP. dropped, the figures arriving from north Africa start- according to a recent report by the EU’s law north of the country and the Libyan border. ed to grow. By mid-April 2017, “some 36,000 enforcement agency Europol, gangs smuggling Then comes the crossing which can cost up to Who are the migrants? migrants had arrived in Italy since the beginning of migrants to or within Europe raked in Є4.7 billion- Є1,000, depending on the boat. Individuals can, for On the shores of Greece there are now “80 or 100 the year, or an increase of 43 percent over the same 5.7 billion in 2015. But those profits dropped by example, pay Є300 for a place on an inflatable boat, people who arrive every day, whereas we had 2,500 period last year,” according to Frontex. nearly two billion euros last year. The major traffick- but those journeys are particularly risky. The east a day” before the agreement with Turkey, said ers use money earned smuggling migrants to Africa route - which originates from the Horn of Leggeri. Among those who arrive from Africa via the Who are the smugglers? undertake other criminal activities that require an Africa and is taken by Eritreans, Somalis and central Mediterranean and Libya, whose number is At the beginning of the most dangerous leg of initial investment, “be it drug trafficking, arms traf- Ethiopians - is more expensive. The journey is organ- up by more than 40 percent, most come from west the trip across the Sahara, the migrants are trans- ficking, or even terrorism financing - we can’t ized by national criminal gangs that work together, Africa. They are Senegalese, Guineans, Nigerians. In ported by Tuareg or Tebu nomads, for whom it is a exclude it,” Leggeri said. The funds are sometimes so a Sudanese network, for example, will hand over 2016 they totalled 180,000. They are mainly econom- traditional commercial activity, Leggeri said. The moved openly through money transfer service its clients to a Libyan network at the border. “There, ic migrants and include many young men but also Mediterranean crossing however is run by criminal Western Union, especially in west Africa. In east the fee can run to 3,000 euros, from the Horn of families and young women. Nigerian women are networks, both big and small, as well as lone smug- Africa, traffickers more often use “hawala”, an infor- Africa all the way to Italy,” Leggeri said. — AFP African migrants aim for Europe, whatever the risk

KANO, Nigeria: Uche’s real journey had yet to tribes policing Libya’s lawless desert frontiers and home countries from Libya as part of a more regu- begin but he had already spent four days in the plans to build holding centers for Africans sent lar, assisted-return program but officials concede northern Nigerian city of Kano after travelling on back after reaching Europe. Nigeria has many of them will try again. public buses and potholed roads from Imo state in announced a crackdown on illegal immigration At the same time, there is recognition that the southeast. He planned to go to Agadez, a tran- and people smuggling; Niger has threatened where it exists, there is poor enforcement of anti- sit town on the southern edge of the Sahara smugglers with 30 years in jail and raided “con- trafficking legislation and little deterrent in source desert in central Niger, take a truck to Sebha, in nection houses” in Agadez. countries. Conviction rates are low and agencies southwestern Libya, and from there to the capital Some see a link with a European Union offer of such as Nigeria’s National Agency for the Tripoli, and then to Italy or Spain. Є1.8 billion ($2 billion) in economic development Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons are under- But his contact, who was supposed to drive funding for countries that show they are tackling funded and under-staffed. Africa’s priorities are him and three women across Nigeria’s northern irregular migration. For Richard Danziger, the often elsewhere. border, was arrested on suspicion of people smug- IOM’s regional director for west and central Africa, gling. “His house had been under surveillance,” the “large shift in attitude and policies” among ‘Delivery men’ explains the 38-year-old electrician in Kano’s African governments has been significant. “Now Ahmad used to drive migrants in his truck in KASSALA, Sudan: Members of the Sudanese border security patrol the Sudan-Eritrea bustling Sabon Gari district. “The movement of there’s a real realization that the human cost is the searing heat across the dunes from Agadez to border for smugglers and illegal migrants near this eastern Sudanese border town the three women in and out of the house height- not something that’s acceptable, whether it’s Sebha twice every month. The 30 passengers each on May 2, 2017. — AFP ened the suspicion of the security agents who drowning in the Mediterranean or dying in the paid him 50,000 naira (about Є150). “I have made raided the house.” Uche, a stocky man in faded desert,” he says. good money from the business. I own a house and Sudan boosts border patrols jeans, white sneakers and a white and blue striped other possessions. But in recent times things have T-shirt, appears unfazed by the setback. “I’ll hang Security threat changed. The authorities have come down hard,” to curb people smuggling around in Kano until I find another facilitator who Last year, 37,724 undocumented migrants reg- he says. Drivers now risk being spotted by aerial can link me up with a contact in Agadez,” he says. istered in Italy and Greece were Nigerian, nearly patrols, having their vehicle impounded and It was Efrem Desta’s three times more than the next biggest group going to jail, he says. But he maintains he has not AL-LAFFA, Sudan: Key transit point yearning for freedom that made him flee his “They usually travel at night and hide out from Guinea. Uche’s profile is typical: he wants a done anything wrong. “We are just delivery men Little deterrent home country of Eritrea and enter Sudan during the day in farms, plantations and With its market, blocks of overcrowded flats, better life, away from an economy deep in reces- paid for our service,” he says. illegally, hoping that he could later make it forests,” the officer said, pointing to a patch beer parlors and brothels, Sabon Gari is a chaotic sion and where decades of oil profits and corrup- Others involved in smuggling along this to Europe. But he and a group of fellow of trees lining the dry riverbed. Although place that is becoming a frequent target for raids tion have benefited few. The flow of migrants, route do it out of necessity in a desperately migrants were abducted by Sudanese Syrians fleeing their brutal civil war fuel the against smugglers who transport human cargo to undeterred by the arduous journey and risks poor, remote region where there is little or no Bedouin Rashaida tribesmen after they current migration crisis, experts say there the Mediterranean Sea that laps Africa’s northern involved, is unlikely to stop unless conflict, pover- alternative employment. The bribes paid to the crossed into east Sudan near Al-Laffa village. are also many Eritreans trying to reach shores. Europe, though, is pushing back against ty and other root causes such as population pres- military escorts of the convoys that leave “We fled Eritrea because we wanted free- Europe. “An estimated 100,000 migrants undocumented economic migrants from west sures are addressed. Agadez, as well as to police and army check- dom, but when we got here we were cap- travelled across Sudan in 2016, the bulk of Africa like Uche, or the young women trafficked to Many of those who end up in Agadez in Niger, points through the desert, boost meagre or tured by Rashaida,” said Desta, 20, speaking them being Eritreans,” said Asfand Waqar, sell sex in its major cities. Numbers are down on either bound for Libya and dangerous sea cross- non-existent salaries. In Libya, where law and in his native Tigrinya language. “After five analyst at the International Organization of 2015, when more than a million irregular migrants ings, or after aborted attempts to reach Europe, order has broken down since dictator days in captivity, we were rescued.” Migration (IOM). and refugees, most of them fleeing Syria’s brutal are physically exhausted, sick from malaria and Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011, former Sudanese security forces, who have Sudan, in the Horn of Africa, is a key tran- civil war, risked their lives at sea to reach Europe. hunger, and suffering psychological problems. policemen have skippered migrant boats. stepped up their patrols along the 600-km sit point on the migrant route to Europe. From Jan 1 to May 24 last year, 193,333 people Law enforcement agencies see irregular migration frontier with Eritrea in a bid to curb migrant From Kasala the Eritreans travel across crossed to Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Spain in rick- and people smuggling as a security threat Gritty determination smuggling, freed the group. They were Sudan to Libya or Egypt. Smugglers then ety fishing boats and overloaded inflatable because of the increasing involvement of criminal Security analysts who study the Sahel say peo- found handcuffed and in chains, security cram them aboard rickety boats for perilous dinghies, the International Organization for networks, and the money at stake. ple are just another commodity for those who officers said, and have now joined nearly Mediterranean voyages aimed at reaching Migration says. This year, only 60,521 have made The EU law enforcement agency Europol has have long been involved in smuggling drugs, 30,000 other refugees in Wadi Sherifay landfall in Europe. In summer, the long the journey in the same period. But the central said criminal networks made between 3 and 6 bil- weapons and other goods. But while there is no camp, a vast conglomerate of thatched huts windswept cross-border Gash riverbed Mediterranean smuggling route from Libya is now lion euros from migrant smuggling in 2015. But clear evidence that extends to any of the violent and dusty tracks near the border. comes alive at night with the march of the busiest after a 2016 deal with Turkey to tackle revenue dropped by nearly Є2 billion in 2016 extremists, there are fears about what may hap- Most of the rescued Eritreans say they migrants. “We still don’t do night patrols, so the Aegean route. A total of 50,267 have made it because of the drop in numbers of irregular pen if peoples’ only source of income is taken fled their country to escape military con- it’s easy for them to move during the hours to Italy, up from 36,184 last year, the IOM says. migrants arriving in the EU and a fall in fees paid away. Poverty is a major factor in radicalization scription, but some do admit leaving to seek of darkness,” the security officer said. The route has also become more deadly: 1,442 to smugglers. The head of the EU’s border and and Islamist groups operating in the region, such better jobs abroad. Sudanese police and Behind him under the scorching midday people have been lost at sea so far compared coastguard agency Frontex, Fabrice Leggeri, as Boko Haram or Al-Qaeda in the Islamic agents of the powerful National Intelligence sun, a group of machinegun-toting border with 982 in the same period in 2016. “There’s no believes communication is key to debunking the Maghreb, willingly accept the disaffected. and Security Service (NISS) say dozens of guards crossed the riverbed in pick-up longer a ‘migration season’,” says Fathi Al-Far, who myths that smugglers tell migrants about a new Above all, the biggest fight is against the Eritreans try to enter Sudan illegally every trucks to begin a patrol. Officers say that runs a reception center in the Libyan coastal town life in Europe. “Either you die in the Mediterranean determination of desperate people with noth- day. “There are many ways they enter, their boosted presence along the border of Zawiya. “People are now leaving at any time, or you arrive in Europe under extremely ing to lose. “Maybe I’ll die but it’s better to try including walking along the river Gash,” one had also helped them catch several people even in winter.” deplorable conditions,” he tells AFP. “It’s not the El to cross (the desert) than to stay in the security officer told an AFP correspondent smugglers. “The smugglers, who are mostly Dorado that the smugglers describe.” Gambia,” says Ibrahim Kamara, recovering in who toured border areas of Kasala state at Eritrean, have excellent networks and high- But despite the increased efforts, from border Agadez after breaking his leg in a road accident Speaking out the beginning of May. The migrants cross tech communications gear,” another security Africa has long viewed irregular migration as police to maritime patrols, there is concern that on a previous attempt. “I’ve got no job there into Sudan on foot after walking for days or officer said. “They know more about us than Europe’s problem and acceptable as long as not enough is being done. The sea crossing is now and no wife because I’ve got no money,” the 37- in some cases even weeks. we know about them.” — AFP remittances flowed. But Africa’s leaders are even seen as the least risky part of the journey giv- year-old adds. For Uche, in Kano, the rewards increasingly speaking out, as Europe’s diplomats en the number of EU vessels on patrol, which pick are worth the risk. “People keep saying it (the and politicians try to stop the boats from coming. up migrants and take them to Europe to be route) is dangerous but I’m ready to try my There has been talk of deals with the nomadic processed. Migrants are being sent back to their luck,” he says. — AFP Ticket to Europe? Nigeria girls lured into sex slavery

Migrants power Niger football club BENIN CITY, Nigeria: In Benin City, when she arrived in Europe until the Nigeria’s capital of illegal migration, no time she left. AGADEZ, Niger: As Africa’s smuggling capital, attempt to get to Europe. Cooling their heels, ball, he said. “I told myself: I will make my life one says the word “prostitution”. The The women, who come from poor a dusty city in central Niger has found its local many of them turn to what they know best - elsewhere.” word on the street for the young girls backgrounds with little education, do football team boosted by an unexpected influx playing football. And here that means playing who leave for Italy or France is “hus- not have the means to get to Italy. But of new players: Migrants in limbo awaiting pas- for Nassara Agadez, a team in Niger’s second Salary and accommodation tling”. About 37,500 Nigerians arrived in in Benin City, “cartels” of human traffick- sage to Europe. Located on the edge of the division. “The president of the club promised The club’s president Bachir Ama, a one-time Italy by boat in 2016, more than from ers are everywhere. Women need only Sahara, Agadez is a major transit point for me that he will get me to Europe,” said 16-year- fixer who used to transport migrants to Libya, any other African country, and most of find a “madame” to organize the trip and migrants hoping to travel north to seek work old Mohamed Diaby, a talented Ivorian who promised to pay Diaby’s passage to Europe if he them were from the southern city, the get false papers, with the promise of a in either Libya or Algeria or to try to risk the trained with a leading football institute in played for the club for one season. And Diaby is capital of Edo state. The International job. Some believe they will become hazardous boat journey to Europe. But hun- Abidjan, Ivory Coast’s main city. “I didn’t want to not the only one making the most of his skills in Organization for Migration (IOM) has hairdressers, others that they will be dreds have been stuck here after running out stay on in Ivory Coast, there are too many peo- this arid transport hub. There are eight migrants recorded an explosion in the number of high-class prostitutes in big hotels. Few of money, or have returned after a first failed ple” there trying to earn a living through foot- on the team: four Nigerians and four Ivorians, Nigerian women trafficked into Europe. ask questions. who earn salaries of up to 100,000 CFA francs In 2013, there were 433 but the fol- Once in Europe, they find themselves ($170) and also get accommodation. At the local lowing year, it rose to nearly 5,000. There on the streets of Palermo or Paris, sell- stadium, around 30 players are training on a was a “substantial increase” in “more eas- ing sex for between five and 10 euros brand-new Astroturf pitch, a gift from the gov- ily-manipulated” under-age victims, the ($5.50-$11) a time to pay back a debt of ernment to mark Niger’s national day. IOM says. Most are destined for sexual Є50,000-60,000 ($55,000-$66,000). “These are people who came on the way to slavery. “Why Edo? Why Benin City? I am Divinity went to Dubai rather than Italy. Libya or Algeria but were stranded here,” Ama trying to understand and it gives me a She says her debt was “only” Є15,000 says. “They need work and as football is their pro- headache,” says Sister Bibiana, who helps and going overseas had been a long- fession, so they have come to us to play.” And in young women when they return from held dream. “All my life, I’ve dreamt to Agadez, they have a wide pool to choose from Europe, voluntarily or otherwise. “But travel abroad and see the world,” says given the huge numbers crossing Niger: In 2016, they’re itching to go back.” Divinity, who was 18 when she left. the International Organization for Migration But she later realized she would never (IOM) counted some 335,000 migrants heading ‘Like Jesus’ be free of the people who trafficked her north and another 111,000 going the other way. The benevolent smile of Jesus radi- and decided to go to the police. The ates down on the meeting room of authorities didn’t want to know. She’s A footballing odyssey Sister Bibiana’s small charity in Benin now back on the streets of Benin City, The club is one of the best in the Agadez City. “In Europe, people are good peo- where poverty and evangelical churches region and players hoping to join must pass a tri- ple. They are like Jesus,” says one mix with Western Union money transfer al. Recruiting only “the best”, Nassara have beat- woman, Miracle, explaining why she left bureaus, where parents pick up money en all of their regional rivals and entered the final Nigeria in 2012. “I pray to God every day. sent by children who left to “hustle” 16 of the Niger Cup. Many youngsters are keen to I ask him to find me a way to go back.” abroad. Among those who “failed” to try their luck, one of whom is 16-year-old Toya-se Miracle returned from Italy two years make it in Europe, many go back onto Tunchi Bondo from Liberia. He spent a day train- ago. The story she tells is sketchy. She the streets when they get home with ing with the club but was not taken on as the claims only to have been a sex worker traumatic tales about seeing dozens of season’s transfer and recruitment window had for a few weeks before being rescued. clients per night along country roads, the already closed. “It feels good to play,” says Bondo, But the nun who knows her background “sexual practices of white people” and AGADEZ, Niger: Ivory Coast’s Mohamed Diaby, 16, who left Abidjan for Agadez in Niger, trains a defensive midfielder who has been taken in by insists Miracle was a prostitute from sleeping rough in railway stations. —AFP with players of the Nassara Agadez football club during a session on May 4, 2017. — AFP the IOM. “All I do is sleep and wait.” — AFP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Venezuelans watch news bulletins acted live on bus

CARACAS: Short of newspapers, out original angles to bring home the State censorship Attacks on reporters the protests by proposing to reform the Venezuelans are getting updates about drama of the protests, which are not The six-member Bus TV group of Media rights group Reporters constitution, “without consulting their country’s deadly political crisis broadcast on state television. journalists and performing artists start- Without Borders ranks Venezuela a dis- Venezuelans in a referendum,” Blanco live - acted out by reporters on the bus “Each tear gas canister costs $40. At ed its shows on May 28 - the 10th mal 137th out of 180 countries for press and Fernandez report, wrapping up to work. Maria Gabriela Fernandez and the black market exchange rate, that is anniversary of a dark day for Venezuela’s freedom. The journalists’ union has their bulletin. Passengers applaud as Dereck Blanco stand on board inside a 200,000 bolivars, or a whole month’s independent media. On that day in counted more than 200 attacks against the presenters sign off. “Meanwhile, the black frame. “El Bus TV,” reads a sign salary,” Blanco tells the audience of pas- 2007, Maduro’s late predecessor Hugo reporters during the past two and a half bakeries still have no bread. Thank you over their heads. “Good morning every- sengers. “Economic news now: a kilo of Chavez shut down the country’s oldest months of protests. Maduro has fanned for watching, this is Bus TV.” —AFP one. First, the news.” It’s less comfort- chicken wings costs 9,700 bolivars. A broadcaster, Radio Caracas Television, able than a TV studio - they have to Venezuelan on a minimum wage must for its critical coverage of him. Like hold onto the rail with one hand to work a day and a half to buy it.” Chavez before him, Maduro - himself a stop themselves from falling when the former bus driver - accuses the private dilapidated bus brakes. Opening people’s eyes media of being part of a capitalist con- But it’s one way of escaping govern- Blanco is a presenter on a national spiracy against his socialist leadership. ment censorship. “The idea came from television channel but also does Bus TV The Venezuelan media rights group the need to break away from the news out of frustration at being under offi- Espacio Publico and the National circus in this country,” the group’s cre- cial “pressure” not to cover certain sub- Journalists’ Union accuse the govern- ative editor Claudia Lizardo told AFP. jects on air. “It is a challenge,” he says. ment of censoring media that carry cov- “To bring people truthful news through “Journalists have to reinvent them- erage critical of it. The government took a mass transport system: the bus.” selves so that the news can reach the the Spanish-language edition of CNN people.” The team hop on and off buses television news off air this year. The Crisis in three minutes around Caracas, with the permission of groups say scores of newspapers have In three minutes, Fernandez and the drivers who often let them on with- shut down because the authorities are Blanco deliver news on health, safety, out paying a fare. Bus TV is spreading, denying them paper to print on. The sports, entertainment and, naturally, says Laura Castillo, the show’s produc- country’s leading newspaper El Nacional economics and politics in a country er. There is a team working in the west- and prominent news website La Patilla stricken by food shortages and deadly ern industrial city of Valencia and have been sued. Others have been riots. Clashes at daily protests by another in Puerto La Cruz in the east. bought up by businesses loyal to the demonstrators calling for President “It is a marvelous idea. I like it when government, Espacio Publico says. “The Nicolas Maduro to quit have left 66 things are said clearly, without aggres- government has won the arm-wrestle people dead since April 1, prosecutors sion,” said passenger Glenda Guerrero, over controlling the media,” says Castillo. say. Police fire tear gas and water can- a 68-year-old housewife. “I think it is “You can get news on social media, but CARACAS: Laura Castillo (left), Maria Gabriela Fernandez (center) and nons at protesters who hurl rocks and important for them to report to us not everyone has access to those and a Dereck Blanco (right) give a presentation of Bus TV news on June 6, petrol bombs. The Bus TV team digs what it is happening, to open our eyes.” lot of what you find there is just rumors.” 2017. —AFP Venezuela attorney general says officials threatened her family Opposition leaders calling for return to streets

CARACAS: Venezuela’s attorney said he died after being suffocat- the court on Monday rejected “socialist revolution” of his late general on Monday said intelli- ed by tear gas. her appeal as “incompetent”. predecessor Hugo Chavez. gence officials had threatened Violent riots also occurred in That ruling “removes any doubt Opponents of Maduro had and harassed her family after she the afternoon in Caracas, where about the absence of judicial gone to the court earlier to try openly challenged President hooded protesters partially set remedies” for the political crisis, to add their names to the list of Nicolas Maduro over the coun- off an administrative building of said constitutional law expert plaintiffs in Ortega’s lawsuit, try’s political crisis. A staunch fig- the TSJ. Protesters blame Maduro Jose Ignacio Hernandez. “It is a but were kept away by military ure of the ruling party, Attorney for an economic crisis that has clear attempt to discredit the police. Anti- and pro-govern- General Luisa Ortega has been caused desperate shortages of attorney general.” ment activists exchanged branded a traitor for becoming food and medicine in the oil-rich Ortega responded to the rul- blows outside the court in the the highest public official to country. Maduro says the crisis is ing by upping the ante - and latest in more than two months break ranks with Maduro. She a US-backed conspiracy. He has the political tension. She pre- of street unrest. CHILPANCINGO, Mexico: A Mexican photojournalist works during a protest has accused him and his allies of launched moves to set up an sented a further legal challenge Parliament was set to discuss by police officers in Guerrero state on May 31, 2017. —AFP acting unconstitutionally in their elected assembly to reform the aiming to fire 13 of the court’s procedures for appointing new standoff against the opposition constitution in response to the judges, who she argued were judges to the Supreme Court in recent months of deadly anti- protests, but his opponents say named without her approval. yesterday, while opposition Journalists bear invisible government protests. Last week, she filed a chal- scars of Mexico drug war lenge against his effort to rewrite the constitution, branding it CHILPANCINGO, Mexico: After drug cartel they have been victims of the violence. For oth- undemocratic. The court dis- thugs kidnapped him and threatened to burn ers, it is the impact of bearing daily witness to missed the appeal on Monday. him alive, Mexican journalist Jorge Martinez it. A study last year involving 246 journalists Ortega said members of her fam- was so traumatized he couldn’t leave the found that 41 percent had PTSD symptoms. ily had received threatening tele- house. He and six colleagues were returning Seventy-seven percent had symptoms of anxi- phone calls and had been home after covering a police operation in the ety, and 42 percent of depression. harassed and pursued. “I hold the violent southern state of Guerrero on May 13 executive responsible for any when some 100 masked gunmen from La Flawed protection program injury or attack that my family Familia cartel hijacked their cars. The narcos Alejandro Ortiz is a 26-year-old reporter for might suffer,” she said in an inter- ended up letting them go after about 15 min- W Radio in Chilpancingo, the capital of view with Union Radio. “This is a utes. But it took Martinez, 44, two weeks to go Guerrero and a hot spot in Mexico’s war on matter that must be resolved outside again. drugs. Dark and muscular, he smiles nervously with me, not with my family,” she “Maybe it’s just nerves, but I feel like people as he tells stories about the four times he has said. “They are being pursued by are following me,” he almost whispered into the been attacked by cartel thugs. He’s been kid- patrols that appear to be from phone at the time, afraid to come out for an napped, tied up, beaten and had a gun put to SEBIN,” she added about the interview. Two days after the kidnapping, his head. He suffers recurring nightmares and state intelligence service. “They another journalist - noted crime reporter and anxiety. But he says he’s determined not to let are sending them messages AFP contributor Javier Valdez - was shot dead the narcos win. “We all know being a journalist directly from SEBIN, which in broad daylight in the state of Sinaloa, scene is a high-risk profession in Mexico. Being one in answers to the government.” of some of Mexico’s most brutal drug violence. Guerrero is that much worse,” he told AFP. Although Ortega, 59, said she It was one of the highest-profile attacks target- Reporters here earn as little as $150 a month. herself had not received threats, ing journalists in Mexico - a country where the Eric Chavelas, the leader of a local journal- phenomenon has become almost banal. ists’ association, estimates 30 percent of his col- some government officials have Journalists face harrowing risks to cover the leagues suffer from PTSD. “We’ve been sound- said on television that she bloody wars between Mexico’s rival cartels and ing the alarm for years. We don’t know where should be imprisoned. the army, which have left a trail of tens of thou- to turn” for psychological help, he said. Experts CARACAS: Anti-government demonstrators attack the administration headquarters of the sands of mangled bodies and hundreds of say most journalists with PTSD do not get treat- Constitutional struggle Supreme Court of Justice as part of protests against President Nicolas Maduro on Monday. —AFP mass graves in their wake. Reporters take their ment. Ezequiel Flores, a 40-year-old correspon- Maduro is accused of control- lives in their hands when they write anything dent for the newsweekly Proceso, had to stop ling the Supreme Court, which that is a ploy to cling to power. A Her motion challenges a con- leaders are calling for a return that could be perceived as threatening, or even reporting on the ground after being roughed has fended off numerous legal survey by pollster Datanalisis troversial decision in 2015 to to the streets today. “They do unflattering, by narcos or the corrupt govern- up and receiving death threats. and legislative moves against indicated that 85 percent of name the judges, whom the not want the people to demon- ment officials in bed with them. Watchdog He used to cover the region around Iguala, him over the past year and a half. Venezuelans opposed that plan. opposition says are biased in strate against the constitutional group Reporters Without Borders ranks Mexico where 43 students were abducted in 2014 by Clashes at daily protests by The president retains the public favor of Maduro. A dozen coun- assembly. Look at how many as the most dangerous country in the world for corrupt police who are accused of handing demonstrators calling for backing of the military. tries expressed “deep concern” people reject it,” said one young journalists after Syria and Afghanistan. them over to drug gang thugs who allegedly Maduro to quit have left 67 peo- about Ortega’s “harassment”, demonstrator, Maria Rodriguez. Since 2006, when the government first sent massacred them. “Every day you document ple dead since April 1, prosecu- Legal battles prosecutors said, including “Get away, the streets belong to the military to fight the cartels, nearly 100 jour- tragedy after tragedy after tragedy, and you tors say. The latest casualty was a Analysts said last week that Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the people, not to the bour- nalists have been killed, more than 20 have dis- can’t or don’t know how to evacuate all this 49-year-old man who died Ortega’s suit could build Portugal and Paraguay. geoisie,” yelled a rival supporter appeared and more than 200 have been stuff that you accumulate,” he said. The govern- Monday night in the Caribbean bridges between the opposi- dressed in the traditional red of assaulted by drug traffickers. For survivors, the ment has created a protection program for city of La Guaira, prosecutors tion and disgruntled officials Scuffles outside court Chavez supporters and holding scars are not always visible. Many Mexican threatened journalists, but it has failed to stop said, without clarifying the cir- and widen divisions in The president is resisting a copy of the constitution in his crime reporters suffer from Post-Traumatic the violence. Five journalists have been killed cumstances. The opposition Maduro’s camp, making it hard- calls for elections to replace hand. “What there is here is rev- Stress Disorder, or PTSD. For some, it is because this year. deputy Jose Manuel Olivares er for him to stay in power. But him, vowing to continue the olution.” —AFP Secret Service doesn’t US COVFEFE Act would have White House tapes preserve Trump tweets WASHINGTON: The US Secret Service said Monday it does not ed in a tweet that he had recorded their private discussions with WASHINGTON: From the incompre- Quigley, a member of the House intel- media site that are sometimes riddled have any audio recordings or transcripts of US President Donald Comey. The claim came in response to reports, since confirmed, hensible “covfefe” to a post labeling ligence committee, said in a state- with spelling and grammar mistakes. Trump’s White House conversations. After Trump again intimat- that Comey himself had kept detailed notes on those discus- fired FBI director James Comey a “leak- ment. “Tweets are powerful, and the Trump famously sent a tweet at ed last week that he could have recorded his controversial dis- sions in which, he alleges, Trump demanded a pledge of loyalty er,” President Donald Trump’s tweets president must be held accountable 12:06 a.m. ET (0406 GMT) on May 31 cussions with fired FBI director James Comey, it remained and pressed the then-FBI director to pull off on an investigation would be preserved as presidential for every post.” The law would bar the that said: “Despite the constant nega- unclear if that claim was true. The issue could be crucial for the into Trump’s former national security advisor Michael Flynn. records if a Democratic lawmaker’s prolifically tweeting president from tive press covfefe.” The message president amid allegations - though not formal accusations - “James Comey better hope that there are no ‘tapes’ of our con- proposed COVFEFE Act becomes law. deleting his posts, as he has some- remained on the Internet for hours, that he has sought to obstruct the investigation into possible versations before he starts leaking to the press!” Trump wrote. Representative Mike Quigley of Illinois times done. This has inspired websites spurring a wave of speculation about collusion by his advisors in Russian interference in last year’s On Friday, after explosive testimony from Comey in Congress introduced on Monday the archiving his erased tweets. what Trump intended to say. The mes- presidential election. repeated the claims that Trump pressured him over Flynn, “Communications Over Various Feeds White House spokesman Sean sage was later deleted. Trump’s next The Secret Service, which protects the president and his fam- Trump responded angrily, calling Comey a liar. Asked by Electronically For Engagement” Act Spicer said last week that Trump’s communication that day at 6:09 a.m. ily, maintained a secret taping system for the White House in the reporters if he had tapes of their conversations to support his that would amend the Presidential tweets “are considered official state- ET (1009 GMT) made light of the eras of John F Kennedy and Richard Nixon. But in response to a claim, Trump replied demurely, “I’ll tell you about that maybe in Records Act and require the National ments by the president of the United tweet, saying: “Who can figure out the Freedom of Information Act request from The Wall Street the very near future.” That left open the possibility that other Archives to store presidential tweets States.” The White House did not true meaning of “covfefe”??? Enjoy!” Journal, the agency said it did not have any such records for the White House staff, or Trump himself, could have been involved and other social media interactions. immediately reply to a request for Spicer, asked at a news briefing at the Trump administration. “It appears, from a review of Secret in recording their talks, if anyone. Members of Congressional “If the president is going to take to comment on the proposed legislation. time whether people should be con- Service’s main indices, that there are not records pertaining to committees investigating Russian meddling in the election have social media to make sudden public Trump, who has more than 32 million cerned about the covfefe tweet, said, your request,” the agency told the Journal in a letter. shown interest in whether Trump did tape his White House con- policy proclamations, we must ensure followers on Twitter for his 8-year-old “no” and added, “I think the president On May 12, three days after he fired Comey, Trump suggest- versations with Comey or anyone else. —AFP that these statements are document- personal @realDonaldTrump profile, is and a small group of people know ed and preserved for future reference,” known for messages on the social exactly what he meant.” —Reuters WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 INTERNATIONAL Gaza Strip in peril as Hamas marks decade in power GAZA CITY: Hamas this week marks 10 wars with Israel. Israel’s blockade of the operate a bean-grinding machine, mak- after the 2013 ouster of Islamist presi- forces fired warning shots and made years since taking power in Gaza with strip, now more than a decade old, has ing his business unprofitable. “In any dent Mohamed Morsi by Egypt’s then arrests as they dispersed the protesters. the Palestinian enclave at risk of conflict heavily damaged Gaza’s economy, while case, we can’t produce anything without army chief and now President Abdel Whether the tensions will lead to anoth- and facing electricity blackouts, poverty the enclave’s crossing with Egypt has electricity,” he said. Fattah Al-Sisi. It also lost Syria’s support er escalation between Hamas and Israel and Israel’s blockade, analysts and offi- remained largely closed in recent years Many analysts say the situation could during the Arab Spring uprisings. is a question constantly being posed. cials say. The situation is likely to be fur- as well. Egypt has also destroyed most of further worsen in the enclave of some two While UN officials have called for Israel ther complicated by the Saudi-led diplo- the tunnels Gazans used for smuggling million people squeezed between Egypt, ‘It has to decide’ to lift its blockade, citing deteriorating matic row with Qatar, which has been a to and from the Sinai peninsula. Adding Israel and the Mediterranean Sea. In the Gazans are left to endure the fallout. conditions, Israel says it is needed to stop major donor to the Gaza Strip but may to those woes, Abbas’ Palestinian past, Hamas backer Qatar has regularly They have been receiving three to four Hamas from obtaining weapons or materi- be forced to reduce its support due to Authority has taken steps many analysts stepped in with financial assistance. But hours of electricity per day, but Abbas’ als used to make them. “It cannot be that the dispute. Divisions remain deep say are designed to pressure Hamas, Qatar now faces a diplomatic crisis, with reported decision to slash payments has Hamas collects taxes from the residents of between the Islamist movement Hamas including salary cuts for PA employees in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, led Israel to reduce supplies. When that Gaza, and these taxes go to tunnels, to and Palestinian president Mahmud Gaza and slashed electricity payments, Bahrain and others cutting ties after accus- takes effect, the strip will be left with rockets, not to the development of Gaza, Abbas’s Fatah, based in the occupied further worsening an already severe ing it of supporting extremist groups. around two or three hours per day. to the development of the electricity sec- West Bank, with reconciliation between power shortage. “The big loser is us,” said Ahmed Concerns have been raised for hospitals tor, to the water sector, and now it has to the two rivals seemingly a long way off. Yousef, a senior Hamas member who has and infrastructure such as water treatment decide what it wants,” Israeli Defence “It’s the Gazans who pay the price,” ‘Big loser is us’ been a pragmatic voice within the facilities - already at risk. The International Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Monday. said rights activist Hamdi Shaqura, with Those moves have come as Gazans Islamist movement labelled a terrorist Committee of the Red Cross has warned Hamas says it must defend itself in nearly half of the population unem- observe the Muslim holy month of organization by Israel, the United States of the possibility of a “systemic collapse”. the face of Israel’s overwhelming power ployed and more than three-quarters Ramadan and as the summer heat sets and the European Union. “It is us who are For Yousef, it amounts to a situation and that the blockade stops it from dependent on humanitarian aid. Hamas in. “People can no longer buy or sell,” said going to pay the price.” Hamas has where, for many young people, “it’s bet- importing needed material while stifling has run Gaza since June 15, 2007, having Nahed Abu Salem, who runs a candy sought to soften its image in recent ter to die than live”. Young people came its economy. Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a seized it in a near civil war from Fatah fol- shop in the Jabalia refugee camp, with months with a new policy document together for protests against electricity political scientist in Gaza, said he does lowing a dispute over parliamentary cuts to civil servants’ salaries taking a hit somewhat easing its stance on Israel shortages in January, including one in not see the blockade being lifted until elections won by the Islamist movement. on the economy. Ayed Hassouna, a 34- while still not recognizing the country. which thousands in northern Gaza Hamas gives up power in the strip. But, Hamas and other Palestinian militant year-old coffee seller, says he spends 300 But it has also faced increasing isola- walked to the local headquarters of the for him, Hamas agreeing to do so could groups in Gaza have since fought three shekels ($85) every day on a generator to tion. Relations with Egypt deteriorated electricity company. Hamas security “avoid more catastrophes”. — AFP Under pressure over Brexit, May meets ‘kingmakers’ DUP PM to travel to France, meet Macron

LONDON: Prime Minister Theresa May sought asked: “What is your price?” only leader competent enough to navigate to strike a deal with a Northern Irish “The deal will be done,” said Jon Tonge, pro- the tortuous Brexit negotiations that will Protestant party to save her premiership yes- fessor of politics at Liverpool University. shape the future of the United Kingdom and terday as she came under intense pressure to “Basically it will be Theresa May signing its $2.5 trillion economy. Jeremy Corbyn, soften her approach to Brexit days before for- cheques for the foreseeable future or a leader of the opposition Labour Party, which mal EU divorce talks. May’s botched election monthly direct debit, as it were, into Northern saw its number of parliamentary seats and gamble, which saw her lose her parliamentary Ireland’s coffers.” “The DUP may never have the share of the vote increase, said there could majority, left her so weakened that supporters political arithmetic so favorable again so like be another election this year or early in of closer ties with the European Union pub- the Conservatives, the DUP will want to avoid 2018 after Thursday’s vote produced no licly demanded she take a more consensual another election and will want to keep drink- clear winner. and business friendly approach to Brexit. ing in the political free bar that is available to In an attempt to avoid a second election it,” Tonge said. Brexit Civil War? that could deepen the worst political turmoil But a deal with the DUP would risk destabi- May, who ahead of the June referendum supported remaining in the EU, has promised THE HAGUE: Former Serbian intelligence chiefs, Jovica Stanisic (left) and Franko to start the formal Brexit talks next week but Simatovic (right) appear in court as they go back on trial yesterday before the United opponents of a sharp break with the EU took Nations Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunal. — AFP her woes as a chance to push back against her strategy. Before the election, May pro- posed a clean break from the EU, involving Serbian ex-spy chiefs had withdrawal from Europe’s single market, lim- its on immigration and a bespoke customs ‘key role in Balkans wars’ deal with the EU. Brexit minister David Davis has insisted the THE HAGUE: Two former Serbian intelli- Death squads approach to the EU divorce had not changed, gence chiefs played a major role in running Stanisic, the former head of Serbia’s old but at the meeting with lawmakers on death squads that terrorized Bosnia and state security service and a key figure in the Monday, May recognised that a broader con- Croatia in the bloody 1990s Balkans wars, a regime of Slobodan Milosevic, and his deputy sensus needed to be built for Brexit and made UN court heard yesterday. Jovica Stanisic, Simatovic now stand accused once again of clear she would listen to all wings of the party 66, and Franko Simatovic, 67, are back in organising, financing and supplying paramili- on the issue. Scottish Conservative leader court on four charges of crimes against tary groups. These groups cut a swathe of ter- Ruth Davidson said the government should humanity and a war crimes charge after ror and destruction across Croatia and Bosnia put economic growth at the heart of its Brexit their acquittal in 2013 was overturned. during the conflicts that erupted amid the strategy, while some senior ministers have “These accused made these crimes happen collapse of Yugoslavia. They included an elite pushed for less focus on immigration and through their direction and unflagging unit dubbed the “Red Berets” and the feared more on jobs. support to the Serb forces who committed paramilitary outfit run by Zeljko “Arkan” The Daily Telegraph reported cabinet min- them,” UN prosecutor Douglas Stringer told Raznatovic, called “Arkan’s Tigers”. isters have opened back-channel talks to sen- judges in The Hague. The death squads attacked towns and ior Labour lawmakers to secure a cross-party Stringer said the accused “repeatedly murdered Croats, Muslims and other non- agreement on Brexit. When asked about the deployed their... units in attack operations Serbs to force them out of large areas, seek- ing to establish a Serb-run state, prosecu- Daily Telegraph article, Michael Gove, a min- in Croatia and Bosnia where many crimes tors alleged, seeking life sentences for both LONDON: Britain’s Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street in central London ister who campaigned for Brexit, told ITV: of persecution, murder and expulsion were “This is news to me.” William Hague, a former men in the original trial which opened in yesterday, ahead of a planned trip to Paris to meet the French president and following a meet- committed.” “The evidence will show that 2008. UN prosecutors maintain that ing with the leadership of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP). — AFP leader of the Conservative Party, called for this relentless pattern continued for over business groups and lawmakers from all par- Stanisic and Simatovic were part of a joint four years and that the accused supported criminal enterprise that included the late in Britain since last June’s shock vote to leave lizing the political balance in Northern Ireland ties to be brought in to agree a national posi- and advanced it every step along the way,” Serbian president Milosevic and Bosnian the European Union, May apologized to her by increasing the influence of pro-British tion on Brexit. he said, as the two men listened attentively, Serb leader Radovan Karadzic. Conservative Party’s lawmakers, who said they unionists who have struggled for years with May’s weakness means she must now listen with Stanisic occasionally shaking his head. Stringer on Tuesday made a pointed ref- would leave her in power - for now. “She said: Irish Catholic nationalists who want Northern to all shades of opinion on Brexit as she goes Stanisic and Simatovic’s acquittal erence to Milosevic - who died in 2006 dur- ‘I’m the person who got us into this mess and Ireland to join a united Ireland. While the into Britain’s most complex negotiations since before the International Criminal Tribunal ing his own genocide and warcrimes trial in I’m the one who is going to get us out of it’,” DUP are deeply eurosceptic, they have World War Two. But May faces a difficult bal- for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) the ICTY’s custody. “The substantial powers said one Conservative lawmaker who attend- balked at some of the practical implications ancing act: Divisions over Europe helped sink unleashed a storm of protest and was and authority wielded by Stanisic emanat- ed Monday’s meeting. “She said she will serve of a so-call hard Brexit - including a potential the premierships of Margaret Thatcher, John overturned in 2015 after prosecutors ed not only from his position as head of the us as long as we want her.” loss of a “frictionless border” with the Major and David Cameron, and many of her appealed. The two men were ordered to Serbian (security service) but also from the To stay in government, May must strike a Republic of Ireland - and talks will touch on lawmakers and party membership support a return to the tribunal in The Hague to face trust and confidence placed in him by deal with the Democratic Unionist Party efforts to minimize the potential damage to sharp break with the EU. “The Tory civil war on a retrial on the same charges. Milosevic,” the prosecutor said. — AFP (DUP), a small eurosceptic Northern Irish party Northern Ireland. the EU which has ripped it apart since the with 10 parliamentary seats. DUP leader With formal EU divorce talks due next Maastricht rebellions of the early 1990s, and Arlene Foster arrived for talks with May. She week, May headed to France yesterday to which the referendum was supposed to solve, waved but did not say anything as she went meet Emmanuel Macron, who last month is now raging again,” said Chris Grey, an aca- into Downing Street. She looked at her watch swept to victory in the presidential election. demic who specializes in Brexit at Royal and ignored a question from a reporter who During the campaign, May cast herself as the Holloway in London. — Reuters Journey to statehood long for Iraq Kurds BAGHDAD: Many Iraqi Kurds hailed last Turkey and Iran, which have their own strong support in Congress and appear to be week’s announcement of a September refer- Kurdish minorities and support one of the taking the bet that Washington will be prag- endum on independence as historic, but autonomous region’s two main rival parties, matic and endorse a fait accompli, as it did a major obstacles will remain on the path to have spoken against the referendum. quarter of a century ago when the Kurds statehood after an expected landslide “yes”. used a US-enforced no-fly zone to start The autonomous region is still at war with the US guarantees building their institutions. Islamic State group, it hosts a displaced popu- Tehran warned it could “only lead to new lation of more than a million and its once problems” while Turkey, through which Iraqi Ready or not promising economy has taken a double hit Kurdish oil is being exported, called the deci- But Iraq’s roughly five million Kurds do from conflict and low oil prices. The northern sion to organize the referendum “irresponsi- not all agree between themselves on the region’s leader, Massud Barzani, announced ble” and a “grave mistake”. Baghdad, much referendum, whose announcement prompt- MUNICH: Police officers secure the area around a commuter rail station in on June 7 that a referendum would be held in like the Kurdish region’s key US ally, has ed some suspicious reactions internally. The Unterfoehring, where shots were fired yesterday. — AFP Kurdish areas of Iraq on Sept 25 to ask voters if reacted relatively tamely by stressing the region is in political limbo. Barzani’s man- they want a separate state. need to comply with the constitution and date as regional president expired nearly Gunman injures three The vote is non-binding, but sets the reaffirming its commitment to Iraq’s territori- two years ago and parliament was suspend- wheels in motion for an independent state al integrity. The official reactions are as pre- ed a few weeks later. The administration run that has been gestating since Iraq’s Kurds dictable as the referendum itself, which the by the Barzani clan is struggling to pay at German rail station gained autonomy from Baghdad on the back Kurdish administration had promised would salaries and faces strong opposition, includ- of the 1991 Gulf War. Hoshyar Zebari, a for- be held after Mosul is retaken, but the more ing from two parties that argued that a ref- MUNICH: A German police officer was criti- which the assailant snatched an officer’s mer foreign minister of Iraq and a senior distant prospect of secession is already being erendum should come after parliamentary cally wounded and two passers-by hurt gun and fired. “The police officer was shot negotiator in Kurdistan’s independence discussed by all sides. and presidential polls. yesterday when a lone gunman fired shots in the head and critically injured,” Martins process, described the decision as signifying The federal government has already set “The referendum could serve as a lifeboat at a commuter rail station near the German said. She is 26 years old. that the Kurds had “crossed the Rubicon”, the up a committee to discuss the shape of rela- for ruling Kurdish parties that have failed to city of Munich before being injured himself Two other people at the station, one point of no return. Besides obvious security tions between Baghdad and a future, inde- govern effectively,” said Yerevan Saeed, an and detained, police said. A Munich police German and one Romanian, were seriously and economic challenges that need to be pendent Kurdistan. Turkey has expressed analyst and research associate at the DC- spokesman told reporters there was no wounded and are being treated in local overcome for any viable state project, the strong displeasure at the date of the referen- based Arab Gulf Institute. “Unless there is a indication of a “political or religious” motive hospitals but their lives were not believed other necessary conditions are internal unity dum but may ultimately not be completely form of Kurdish unity, I don’t see any viable behind the morning rush hour incident. to be in danger. “The assailant was arrested. and external assent. hostile to Kurdish independence in Iraq if path towards Kurdish independence,” he “The sole male perpetrator was motivated He was also injured. There are no indica- Neither is guaranteed. “The two biggest this can help it contain Kurdish separatism at said. While both the internal and broader by personal reasons,” said spokesman tions of further perpetrators,” police tweet- obstacles to Kurdistan’s independence are home. Washington also objected to the tim- context seem far from propitious, the ideal Marcus da Gloria Martins. ed. The officers had been called to the the question of its boundaries with Iraq and ing of the vote, but has repeatedly moment may never come, and some argue Police identified the gunman as a 37- scene when a fight broke out among sever- international recognition,” analyst Nathaniel expressed its support for the principle of that the prospect of independence might be year-old German national, whose criminal al people on a train, witnesses said. Ribkin said. “If no agreement is reached with self-determination. what the Kurds need to overcome their cur- record showed only one charge for posses- The train was stopped at the Baghdad on borders, many countries will be “Without ironclad US security guarantees, rent difficulties. “It is up to their leaders to sion of a small quantity of marijuana in Unterfoehring station and the brawlers reluctant to recognize a unilateral declara- an independent Kurdistan is unlikely to sur- bury the hatchet and to ensure that this 2014. Martins said the man had tried to were hauled out by police, leading to the tion of independence,” said Ribkin, managing vive,” Amberin Zaman, a fellow at the US- dream for which so many Kurds have laid push at least one police officer in front of escalation. The station is on a busy line editor of the Inside Iraqi Politics newsletter. based Wilson Center, wrote in a recent paper down their lives is finally translated into reali- an incoming train at an S-Bahn station in leading to and from Munich’s main interna- Iraqi Kurdistan’s most powerful neighbors on the issue. Iraqi Kurdish leaders enjoy ty,” Zaman said. —AFP Unterfoehring, a northeastern suburb of tional airport. Travellers were diverted to the Bavarian city. A scuffle ensued during another rail line after the shooting. — AFP

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 INTERNATIONAL

Rodman returns to N Korea, hoping ‘to open door’

SEOUL: Flamboyant former NBA star life”, leader Kim Jong-Un. The latest visit Globetrotters - as “basketball diplomacy” Dennis Rodman arrived in North Korea comes amid high tensions between but has been roundly criticised for failing yesterday after saying he wants to “open Washington and Pyongyang which is cur- to raise human rights issues. A senior the door” to the regime and claiming that rently holding four Americans - following Trump administration official told Fox US President Donald Trump would be a series of missile tests by the North, News Rodman was going to the North “as pleased with his mission. Sporting a which have triggered tightened UN sanc- a private citizen”. baseball cap, sunglasses, multiple facial tions. The 56-year-old NBA Hall of Famer, piercings and a black t-shirt emblazoned who was heavily criticized for failing to Unlikely relationship with the logo of sponsor PotCoin - a cryp- raise the plight of a jailed US missionary Rodman, who is known as much for his tocurrency for the legal cannabis indus- on a previous trip, said discussing piercings, ever-changing hair colors and try - Rodman was greeted at Pyongyang detained US citizens was “not my pur- off-court antics as his basketball skills, has airport by sports vice-minister Son pose right now”. developed an unlikely relationship with Kwang Ho and journalists. The player nicknamed “The Worm” is the North Korean leader since making his “I’m just trying to open the door,” the one of the few Westerners to have met first trip there in 2013. The bombastic eccentric ex-Chicago Bulls power forward Kim, who took over following the death player - who once wore a wedding dress told reporters at Beijing airport before of his father Kim Jong-Il in 2011. It is not to promote one of his books - also knows boarding his Air Koryo flight. Asked clear whether Rodman, who once dated Trump, having appeared as a contestant whether he had spoken with Trump Madonna and was married to model and on his reality television show “Celebrity about his trip, Rodman said: “I’m pretty actress Carmen Electra, will be meeting Apprentice”. Trump called Rodman “smart” sure he’s pretty much happy with the fact Kim Jong-Un during the current trip or for his 2013 trip to North Korea, Politico that I’m over here trying to accomplish what its exact purpose is. He said in reported at the time. “The world is blow- something that we both need.” Rodman’s Beijing his aim is to try to “bring sports to ing up around us. Maybe Dennis is a lot trip to North Korea is at least his fifth. North Korea”. Rodman has met Kim on better than what we have,” Trump was Most recently in 2014 he attracted a del- some but not all of his previous trips. He quoted as saying. “Dennis is not a stupid uge of criticism after being filmed has previously described his visits - guy. He’s smart in many ways; he’s very PYONGYANG: Former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman (center) poses with singing happy birthday to his “friend for including one in 2013 with the Harlem street-wise.” — AFP his entourage upon arrival at Sunan International Airport yesterday. — AFP Mattis ‘shocked’ by state of US military readiness Pentagon chief warns on North Korea

WASHINGTON: Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told to harm the readiness of our military than those who serve, and putting off the choices lawmakers yesterday he was “shocked” by the sequestration.” Mattis was addressing lawmakers that have to be made. We cannot keep piling state of the US military’s readiness, blaming seeking additional information about President missions on our service members without ensur- legal budget caps and the grind of 16 years of Donald Trump’s proposed 2018 budget. He ing they have all they need to succeed,” constant war. The defense secretary also warned wants to slash State Department spending but Thornberry said. Although many Democrats on that North Korea has become the most urgent give a significant boost to the Pentagon’s vast the committee agree, they worry where the threat to peace and security, and said - without budget, although it falls short of the historic money will come from, given the Trump admin- giving details - that America must do things dif- spending bonanza sought by more hawkish istration’s pressure to cut taxes. ferently in Afghanistan. Republicans. BEIJING: Panama’s Vice President and Foreign Minister Isabel de Saint Malo Afghanistan and N Korea shakes hands with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a joint press briefing Mattis pointed to the war in Afghanistan, after the two signed a joint communique agreeing to establish diplomatic rela- which has dragged on since late 2001 with no tions yesterday. — AFP end in sight, as exacting a heavy price. Such campaigns have “exhausted our equipment China delivers diplomatic punch faster than planned. Congress and the Department (of Defense) could not anticipate to Taiwan by winning over Panama the accumulated wear and tear of years of con- tinuous combat use,” he said. Lawmakers BEIJING: China delivered another diplomat- ‘Teach a lesson’ repeatedly asked Mattis for an update on ic punch to Taiwan yesterday by establish- The latest move infuriated Taiwan, Afghanistan, and about whether Trump will ing relations with Panama at the expense of which is still recognized by around 20 deploy thousands more troops to help Afghan Taipei, further isolating the island’s Beijing- mostly small and economically weak coun- partners reverse a stalemate against the resur- sceptic government. China, which considers tries, including Haiti, Tuvalu and Burkina gent Taleban. self-ruled Taiwan a renegade province wait- Faso. “Beijing’s action has impacted the “We’ve got to do things differently,” Mattis ing to be reunited with the mainland, has stable cross-strait status quo. This is unac- acknowledged, noting only that any been infuriated by President Tsai Ing-wen’s ceptable for the Taiwanese people and we Afghanistan decision would come “soon”. Ahead refusal to acknowledge the island is part of will not sit back and watch our country’s of the four-hour hearing, Mattis also warned “one China”, unlike her predecessor Ma Ying- interests being repeatedly threatened and that North Korea poses the most urgent threat jeou. Panama is the third country to switch challenged,” Tsai told reporters in Taipei. to international peace and security, calling the allegiances to China since Tsai’s Democratic “As the president, maintaining national regime’s weapons program a “clear and present Progressive Party was swept to power last sovereignty is my biggest responsibility. danger” to all. In written testimony, he said year, China’s nationalistic Global Times Greater challenge will bring stronger will. Pyongyang is increasing the pace and scope of reported, warning more would follow in a Taiwanese people’s faith should not and its nuclear weapons program that leader Kim “domino effect”. “This is the cost the Tsai will not be defeated easily. We will not be Jong-Un wants to be capable of delivering a administration needs to pay,” the newspaper shaken.” bomb on the United States. said in an editorial. Diplomatic tussles between Taiwan and “The regime’s provocative actions, manifestly Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Beijing eased under the island’s previous illegal under international law, have not abated Panamanian counterpart Isabel Saint Malo Beijing-friendly government, but relations despite United Nations’ censure and sanctions,” de Alvarado toasted with champagne in have deteriorated since Tsai took office. Mattis said. The defense secretary also warned Beijing after signing a communique formal- China “is seeking to undermine President of a return to “Great Power competition,” where izing the establishment of diplomatic rela- Tsai while intimidating Taiwan by narrow- countries like Russia and China gain military tions while angering Taiwan. “This is a his- ing its international space,” said Michael WASHINGTON: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis listens on Capitol Hill yesterday while testifying assertiveness and place long-held global securi- toric moment, China-Panama relations have Cole, Taipei-based senior fellow with the before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on the Pentagon’s budget. — AP ty protocol at risk. “Both Russia and China object opened a new chapter,” Wang said, adding China Policy Institute at the University of to key aspects of the international order so that Panama’s decision was in “complete Nottingham.Cross-strait tensions have Pointing to Obama-era budget caps known The Pentagon has called for $574 billion in painstakingly built since the end of World War II,” accordance” with its people’s interests and been further exacerbated by a highly as sequestration, Mattis said limits on military general defense funding, with an additional $65 he said. “in keeping with the times”. unusual call from Tsai to congratulate then spending have left troops at greater risk and billion for supplemental wartime spending - for Pyongyang has test-fired a string of missiles Saint Malo said Panama and China had US President-elect Donald Trump. Trump blocked important new programs - even though a total of $639 billion. That represents a more this year, building on launches and nuclear tests made an “important step” and started a questioned Washington’s policy towards the defense budget is already greater than that than $50 billion increase - about 10 percent - that have ratcheted up tensions over its quest to “new page in our strategic relations”. After the island, including its decision to not for- of the next seven countries combined. “I retired over 2017 funding levels for the base budget, develop weapons capable of hitting the United decades of siding with Taiwan, Panama now mally recognize its government, but later from military service three months after seques- although it amounts to only about three percent States - something Trump has vowed “won’t “recognizes that there is only one China in reiterated Washington’s One China policy. tration took effect,” Mattis, a former Marine gen- over projections previously envisioned by the happen”. But Mattis and his top military officer, the world” and that Taiwan is part of “I think the phone call has reinforced eral, told the House Armed Services Committee. Obama administration. General Joe Dunford, said any military action Chinese territory, said the joint commu- Beijing’s determination to teach Taiwan a “Four years later, I returned to the Committee Chairman Congressman Mac against North Korea would have disastrous con- nique. While the Central American country lesson,” said Willy Lam, an expert on poli- Department (of Defense), and I have been Thornberry and other Republicans bemoaned sequences for the peninsula. “It would be a war is small, the Panama Canal is a crucial gate- tics at the Chinese University of Hong shocked by what I’ve seen about our readiness the increase as insufficient. “We have spent six like nothing we have seen since 1953,” Mattis way for global trade between the Pacific Kong. — AFP to fight... No enemy in the field has done more years just getting by, asking more and more of said about the end of the Korean War. — AFP and Atlantic oceans.

B’desh diplomat in NY charged with labor trafficking, assault Philippines army struggles as

WASHINGTON: Bangladesh’s deputy con- decided to cancel Mr. Amin’s contract and sul general in New York was indicted on was preparing to send him back to city siege enters fourth week Monday on charges of labor trafficking Bangladesh due to his irresponsible acts,” and assault for forcing his servant to work Shamim Ahmad, the spokesman, said. without pay through threats and intimi- “We hope the court will give its verdict in Military rejects IS claim it occupies 2/3 of Marawi dation, a New York City prosecutor said. the matter judiciously,” he said. Mohammed Shaheldul Islam has limited Shameem Ahsan, the consul general of MARAWI CITY, Philippines: Fighting in Marawi hunkered down in built-up neighborhoods, end, Padilla said: “I can’t give you an estimate diplomatic immunity and was ordered to Bangladesh, told Reuters over the tele- City in the southern Philippines entered its many of them with civilians they had taken as because of compounding developments faced surrender his passport when he appeared phone from New York that Amin disap- fourth week yesterday with military officials human shields. by ground commanders.” before Queens Supreme Court Justice peared on May 17, 2016 and the very next conceding that troops were struggling to Hundreds of other civilians were still trapped The military had set Monday, the Philippines’ Daniel Lewis, said Queens District day the consulate informed the U.S. state loosen the grip of Islamist fighters on down- in the ruins of the town and - facing capture, independence day, as a target date to flush out Attorney Richard Brown in a statement. department office in New York. “It is sur- town precincts despite relentless bombing. starvation or bombardment from above - sever- the militants, both local and foreign fighters Bail was set at $50,000 bond or $25,000 prising for us that after 13 months he has Military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto al have braved sniper fire to dash across a who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State. cash. He faces up to 15 years in prison if appeared with these allegations, why did Padilla said the urban terrain was hampering bridge to safety. Some were shot dead, a few Flags were raised at ceremony in the town on convicted. he not raise this issue earlier,” he said. the army’s progress because the rebels had made it alive. Asked when the fighting would the insurgency-plagued island of Mindanao, According to the indictment, Islam According to the charges, Amin’s only but heavy gunfire resumed early on Tuesday, brought another Bangladeshi, form of income came from tips from and the military continued to target the mili- Mohammed Amin, to New York between guests at parties and a “miniscule” tants with mortars and helicopter-mounted 2012 and 2013 to work as a household amount of money Islam sent to Amin’s machineguns. help for Islam and his family. “Soon after family in Bangladesh. On several occa- President Rodrigo Duterte, who declared Mr. Amin’s arrival, the defendant allegedly sions when Amin sought to leave, Islam martial law in Mindanao on May 23 - hours after took his passport and required the man to hit him and threatened to harm his moth- several hundred fighters overran parts of the work 18 hours a day ... Even though Mr. er and young son in Bangladesh, the town and tried to seal it off to create an Islamic Amin had a contract which outlines his statement said. On occasion, Islam also caliphate - did not show at any independence compensation, it is alleged he was never stated that he would have Amin’s college- day events. Duterte is best known for a brutal paid for his work,” the statement said. “If age daughter “shamed” if he did not con- war on drugs since he took office a year ago, and the victim disobeyed the defendant’s tinue to work as his servant, the state- he has suggested that funding for the Islamist orders, Mr. Amin was allegedly physically ment said. The statement did not make militants came from the narcotics trade. Some assaulted by the defendant, who either clear what Islam meant by shaming. media reports highlighted the absence of the struck him with his hand or sometimes The statement also said that in 2014, president at a time of serious conflict, but a with a wooden shoe,” it said. shortly after an Indian diplomat in New spokesman said he was tired and needed to rest. A spokesman for the Bangladesh York was charged with labor trafficking, The Philippines has been fighting twin insur- embassy in Washington said it believed Islam wrote a check for Amin’s cash-tip gencies from Maoist-led rebels and Muslim sep- Amin had filed the case in bad faith and earnings that the latter then had to aratists in the south for nearly 50 years. Critics the allegations were “fabricated” and deposit in a bank account to create the say military action is not enough to bring peace “baseless”. “It may be noted that Mr. Islam appearance of a paycheck. — Reuters MARAWI, Philippines: Philippine soldiers patrol a deserted street in this city on the southern to a region that has long suffered from political island of Mindanao yesterday. — AFP neglect and poverty. — Reuters NEWS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

Heavy rain, landslides kill at least 92... Trump sued over ‘benefits’ Continued from Page 1 after Cyclone Mora smashed into Bangladesh’s south- east, killing at least eight people and damaging tens of Continued from Page 1 Russians, it said. The suit also alleged that Trump benefits District police chief Sayed Tariqul Hasan said most of thousands of homes. Rohingya leader Mohammad from foreign distribution payments for his “The Apprentice” the landslides happened before dawn yesterday. “Some Anam said the latest rains had further worsened condi- The suit says that despite billionaire Trump having reality TV show and generally from the international real of them were sleeping in their houses on hillsides when tions in camps that were badly hit by the cyclone. “We’re placed his extensive business holdings in a trust after he estate projects of the Trump Organization. Those benefits was elected president, he still owns the properties and is violate the US Constitution’s “emoluments clauses”, which the landslides occurred,” he said. Police and local living in constant fear of landslides,” he said. well-aware of the money they are earning him. “Although ban US officials from taking gifts or other benefits from for- authorities ordered the evacuation of thousands of peo- Around 300,000 Rohingya, a mainly Muslim stateless he formed a trust to hold his business assets, he may obtain eign governments, the suit argues. ple living in slums at the base of hills in the neighboring ethnic minority, are living in camps in southeastern distributions from his trust at any time,” it said. “The emolument clauses are a firewall against presiden- district of Chittagong, where 26 people have been con- Bangladesh after fleeing persecution in Myanmar. Corruption ‘firewall’ tial corruption,” said Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh. firmed dead. Heavy monsoon rains also pounded the capital Dhaka The suit detailed the popularity of the opulent Trump “He’s going to have to answer in court.” The focus on Trump At least 126 people were killed in that district when a and the port city of Chittagong in the district of the International Hotel with foreign officials since his January International Hotel stems in part from businesses in massive landslide buried a village a decade ago. In the same name, disrupting traffic for hours and flooding 20 inauguration, alleging that the hotel “has specifically Washington and Maryland, some partly owned by the local latest incident six people were killed in the nearby dis- key roads and business districts. A ferry sank in the River marketed itself to the diplomatic community.” It pointed to governments, complaining that its link to the president trict of Bandarban, among them three children buried Buriganga in Dhaka on Monday evening with an esti- news reports of Asian and Middle Eastern diplomats saying effectively gives it an unfair competitive advantage. The by a landslide as they slept in their home. Authorities mated 100 passengers aboard, police said, adding all they will go there to impress the president. Kuwait held its lawsuit followed an earlier similar complaint by Citizens for have opened 18 shelters in the worst-hit hill districts, the passengers had managed to swim ashore. national day celebration at the hotel, and Saudi Arabia has Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, filed on January where 4,500 people have been evacuated, disaster Among the victims in Rangamati district were at spent hundreds of thousands of dollars there, the suit 23 in New York federal district court. On Friday the Justice claims. Department asked the court to drop that complaint, saying management and relief minister Mofazzal Hossain least four soldiers who had been sent to clear roads In New York, Trump Tower leases space to the Chinese Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington had no Chowdhury Maya told reporters. after an earlier landslide. Thousands of troops are sta- government-controlled bank ICBC and Trump World Tower grounds to sue because it had not experienced any loss in tioned in Rangamati, where a tribal insurgency raged and other properties also focus on foreign clients, including relation to Trump. — AFP ‘Constant fear’ for two decades, and which still suffers sporadic vio- Reaz Ahmed, head of the Department of Disaster lence. “The soldiers were sent to clear roads hit by land- Management, said disaster response teams had been slide in Manikchhari town when they were themselves Mass food poisoning in Iraq deployed but had not yet been able to reach all the buried by a second landslide,” armed forces spokesman affected areas. “Once the rains are over, we’ll get a full Lieutenant Colonel Rashidul Hassan said. “They fell 30 Continued from Page 1 Those reports include highly provocative stories picture of the damage and get the recovery work in full feet from the main road,” he said, adding one soldier about Qatar allegedly trying to undermine regional swing,” he added. The monsoon rains came two weeks was missing and 10 injured, five critically. — AFP serious cases were being ferried away by ambulances. security, often presented without attribution or evi- At least one new patient was brought in during the day. dence. RAF is the acronym for the Qatar-based Thani Bin Most of those afflicted were suffering from stomach Abdullah Al Thani Foundation for Humanitarian cramps and dehydration, resulting from vomiting and Services, a charity that collects donations to do aid work Avoid hypocrisy diarrhea. Iraqi lawmaker Raad Al-Dahlaki, who chairs the around the world, including providing meals to needy parliament’s immigration and displacement committee families during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. Continued from Page 1 We should understand that everything is in the hands and who visited the camp overnight, said the meal con- Qatari government officials also did not immediately of Allah. True believers are not sycophants and oppor- tained rice, a bean sauce, meat, yoghurt and water. He respond to a request for comment. Muhammad Bin Zaid narrated that some people tunists, but have strong and confident personalities. put the number of sickened people at 850. RAF is also among 12 organizations and 59 people admitted in front of his grandfather, Abdullah Bin Amru They are virtuous and righteous regardless of what peo- Al-Dahlaki said the food was distributed by a Qatari put on what Saudi, Emirati and Bahraini officials (one of Prophet Muhammad’s companions), that when- ple think of and say about them. Hudhaifa (Prophet non-governmental organization, a charity known as described as a list of terror entities and individuals on ever they entered in the palaces of their kings and rulers Muhammad’s companion and confidante) narrated that RAF. He added that Iraqi officials were to meet those Friday. On Qatari state television meanwhile, a repeat- they would praise them, but once they were out of their Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Do not be a minion, from the organization later. The Doha-based charity did edly aired program has discussed how the ongoing palaces, they would criticize and sometimes abuse them. in that you would say, ‘If people do good deeds we will not immediately respond to requests for comment. At a diplomatic dispute has stopped it from providing meals Abdullah Bin Amru informed him that dissemblance and do like them and if they treat others unjustly we will do joint press conference later in the camp, Irbil police to Syrian refugees at a major camp in Jordan. The flattery were regarded as hypocrisy during the time of the same.’ chief Abdulhaleq Talaat said seven people were arrested Hassan Sham U2 camp houses thousands who have fled Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).” (Reported by Imam Al- But rather settle yourselves (on righteousness and in connection with the incident. Irbil Governor Nawzad their homes in and around Mosul after a US-backed Bukhari # 7,178 and Ibn Maajah in his Saheeh # 3, 975) virtue); when people do good deeds, do like them. But Hadi said only one person a child - had died. The differ- Iraqi offensive was launched to dislodge the Islamic Whoever wants to be successful on earth and ulti- when they go astray, do not follow them. Likewise, avoid ent death tolls could not immediately be reconciled. State group from the city last October. According to the Talaat and Hadi said the food was prepared in an Irbil UN refugee agency, it is home to 6,235 people. mately gain felicity in the hereafter should be honest injustice and wrongdoing.” (Reported by Imam At- restaurant by a local NGO, Ain El Muhtajeen, under a Iraq’s second-largest city, Mosul, fell to IS in the about his beliefs and opinions. If you meet a ruler or any Tirmidhi # 2,007). As we strive to our utmost to be sin- donation by RAF. Dr Sabur Ahmed, head of Irbil chil- summer of 2014 as the militants swept over much of person holding an influential position, don’t praise him cere in Ramadan, avoiding dissemblance and all vices, dren’s hospital, said 22 children remained in hospital the country’s northern and western areas. Weeks later, insincerely, only to abuse and accuse him after you leave we should try our best to quit hypocrisy and uphold while the rest have been discharged. On Twitter, Saudi the head of the Sunni extremist group, Abu Bakr Al- his presence. Unfortunately, some people cheaply and these lessons until we die - with the help of Allah. state television accused RAF of supplying the tainted Baghdadi, announced the formation of a self-styled dishonestly flatter rulers in anticipation of employment, meals and posted images it said showed the camp’s caliphate in Iraq and Syria from the pulpit of a Mosul positions or some sort of benefit. Deceiving people in Courtesy of the TIES Center: The TIES Center is a social children “poisoned by the terrorist Qatari RAF organiza- mosque. Months after the start of the Iraqi offensive, anticipation of getting some benefits from them is an and educational hub for expats in Kuwait whose motto is: tion.” Since a diplomatic crisis between Qatar and other IS militants now only control a handful of neighbor- indication of disbelief in Allah’s power and belief that Tolerance, Information, Empowerment, Solidarity. For more Arab nations led by Saudi Arabia began June 5, Arab hoods in and around the Old City, located west of the humans can single-handedly confer benefits and avert information, please call 252301015/6 or log onto: media across the greater Persian Gulf have daily Tigris River, which divides Mosul into its western and evil, regardless of Allah’s will. www.tiescenter.net unleashed a series of highly critical reports on Qatar. eastern sector. — AP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 ANALYSIS

THE LEADING INDEPENDENT DAILY IN THE ARABIAN GULF ESTABLISHED 1961

Founder and Publisher YOUSUF S. AL-ALYAN Editor-in-Chief ABD AL-RAHMAN AL-ALYAN EDITORIAL : 24833199-24833358-24833432 ADVERTISING : 24835616/7 FAX : 24835620/1 CIRCULATION : 24833199 Extn. 163 ACCOUNTS : 24835619 COMMERCIAL : 24835618 P.O.Box 1301 Safat,13014 Kuwait. E MAIL :[email protected] Website: www.kuwaittimes.net

Focus Gaza, Palestinian territory ravaged by wars, poverty

he Gaza Strip, run by Islamist movement Hamas for the past 10 years, is a poverty-stricken and Tovercrowded Palestinian coastal enclave. It is fac- ing a strict Israeli blockade, while its border with Egypt has also been largely closed in recent years. Hamas is considered a terrorist group by Israel, the United States and the European Union.

Cramped enclave Situated on the Mediterranean coast, between Israel and Egypt, the Gaza Strip is home to around two million Palestinians. They live in a cramped area of just 362 square kilometers, making it one of the most densely populated territories on the planet. After the Arab- Israeli war of 1948-1949 and the formation of the Jewish state of Israel, Gaza came under Egyptian admin- istration, but was never annexed. Israel seized the terri- tory from Egypt during the June 1967 Six-Day War. Friend or foe? Taiwan’s disappearing allies Shut-in On September 12, 2005, Israel pulled out all of its anama walking out on its relationship with Taiwan to Recent departures along with the Marshall Islands, Palau, the Solomon Islands soldiers and settlers from Gaza in a unilateral move establish ties with rival China is the latest in a spate In December 2016 the small African nation of Sao Tome and Tuvalu in the Pacific. The Caribbean nations of St Kitts which ended 38 years of occupation. In the summer Pof diplomatic dumping that is leaving Taipei increas- and Principe severed ties with Taiwan, acknowledging and Nevis and St Vincent also still have formal ties. of 2006, following the capture of a soldier by militants ingly isolated. Beijing still sees self-ruling Taiwan as part of China’s “increasingly important” international role, as from Hamas, Israel imposed a blockade on Gaza which its territory to be reunified, while the democratic island Beijing pumped billions of dollars into the continent. In Partnerships in question was tightened a year later after the Islamists forcibly views itself as a sovereign country, although it has never March that year, China announced it was to resume ties The Vatican is widely seen as Taiwan’s most powerful ousted troops loyal to Palestinian president Mahmud formally declared independence. The governments in with Gambia, after the West African country broke off rela- remaining ally-its only one in Europe-but there have been Abbas’s Fatah faction. Since the ousting of Egypt’s Taipei and Beijing insist that countries can only recognize tions with Taiwan in 2013 citing “strategic national interest”. signs Beijing is working towards resuming relations with Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, the only one of them as legitimate and for years they have kept a Prior to that, Malawi had been the last ally to jump ship, the Holy See. Although there are an estimated 12 million entrance to Gaza not controlled by Israel, Rafah, has tally of their supporters. in 2008, one of nine that switched under former Taiwan Catholics in China, there have been no diplomatic relations been almost completely closed by Cairo. Most states have sided with Beijing, and the num- president Chen Shui-bian. After Chen took the helm in between the Vatican and Beijing since 1951. China is suspi- bers doing so have swelled as China’s global financial 2000, cross-strait relations hit rock bottom because of his cious of religion and the “official” Catholic Church is run by 45 percent unemployment and political clout has grown. But a dwindling band promotion of the island’s independence. The other allies the government-controlled Chinese Catholic Patriotic According to the World Bank, Gaza’s GDP losses of nations still formally recognize Taiwan-mainly lost during his eight-year term were Macedonia, Liberia, Association-but there is also an “underground” Church caused by the blockade are estimated at more than 50 developing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Dominica, Vanuatu, Grenada, Senegal, Chad and Costa which swears allegiance only to the pope. percent. The Gaza Strip has almost no industry, and it Pacific and the Caribbean. The diplomatic tug-of-war Rica. Chen established new ties with three small countries- State-sanctioned bishops in China are chosen by the suffers from a chronic lack of water and fuel. enjoyed a hiatus between 2008 and 2016, when Kiribati, Nauru and St Lucia-bringing the total number of association, while the Vatican insists on its right to appoint Unemployment stands at 45 percent and more than Taiwan’s then-president Ma Ying-jeou called off the formal friends to 23 by the time Ma took office in 2008. all the Catholic Church’s bishops. However, the head of the two thirds of the population depends on humanitari- competition and nurtured closer ties with the main- Catholic Church in Hong Kong said last year the Chinese an aid. land. But since China-sceptic leader Tsai Ing-wen came Forever friends? government was willing to reach an “understanding” with to power last year, cross-strait relations have wors- Taiwan now has just two allies in Africa-Burkina Faso the Vatican over the issue, although it is expected to be a String of Israeli operations ened dramatically and erstwhile friends have started and Swaziland. In central and south America, Taiwan lengthy process. According to Taiwan’s local media and On February 27-March 3, 2008, Israel carried out to jump ship. Only 20 states, including the Vatican, counts Belize, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, some of the island’s lawmakers, other allies rumored to be operation “Hot Winter” following the death of an Israeli now officially recognize Taiwan, with predictions that Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay as official allies. considering switching ties are El Salvador, Guatemala, from rocket fire from Gaza. More than 120 Palestinians number will shrink further. Chen’s ties with Kiribati, Nauru and St Lucia still stand, Honduras, Nicaragua and Paraguay. — AFP were killed. Unrest continued-Gaza rocket fire and Israeli attacks-in which hundreds of Palestinians were killed until a truce was concluded in June. On December 27, Israel launched a vast air offensive- ”Operation Cast Lead”-in a bid to put an end to Tired, traumatized Iraqi mothers unable to breastfeed Palestinian rocket fire. On January 18, 2009 a ceasefire came into force to end the Israeli operation, in which By Layal Abou Rahal hungry and crying all the time,” she said. ing the impact of high lactation failure nutritional status or physical health,” MSF’s 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed. “The psychological condition of these rates on nutrition among the displaced medical coordinator in Iraq, Evgenia Beginning November 14, 2012, Israel’s “Operation Pillar azira rocks her tiny baby pleading- mothers and the hormonal changes child population. More than 800,000 peo- Zelikova said. “We do notice an increase in of Defence” was launched with a missile strike that kills ly but he is inconsolable, crying caused by anxiety and depression, the lack ple have been forced from their homes malnutrition among babies whose mothers top Hamas commander Ahmed Jaabari. In the ensur- Wfor the milk his mother can nei- of privacy and physical comfort as well as since the start of the Mosul operation last are no longer able to breastfeed,” she said. ing eight-day flare-up, 177 Palestinians and six Israelis ther produce herself nor buy in a camp of balanced nutrition... all these factors October. Most experienced traumatizing “This is because formula milk is often hard were killed before an Egypt-brokered truce takes near the Iraqi battleground city of Mosul. converge to affect their ability to breast- living conditions under the ruthless rule of to come by or extremely expensive in effect. On July 8, 2014, Israel launched “Operation “He’s been crying since the moment he was feed,” Diller said. IS for close to three years, risked their lives besieged areas of Mosul and in the camps.” Protective Edge” against Gaza with the aim of ending born. He only stops when he’s so exhausted She added that the pressure of life in trying to flee and now face a very uncer- The UN Children’s Fund said it had noticed rocket fire and destroying smuggling and militant tun- that he falls asleep,” the 24-year-old Iraqi the camp often meant that mothers would tain future. a spike in malnutrition among the most nels dug from the enclave. The war left 2,251 dead on mother said, sheltering her baby Rakan lose the patience to repeat their attempts. “Stress is a major factor affecting the recently displaced children and had begun the Palestinian side and 74 on the Israeli side. from the scorching sun with a piece of Doctors Without Borders (MSF), another mothers of our little patients. Stress affects distributing a peanut-based supplement white cloth. “I cannot breastfeed him and I medical charity, said it was also monitor- breastfeeding more than a mother’s own among affected populations. — AFP Islamic Jihad feel he’s never satisfied. There’s no good The radical Palestinian movement Islamic Jihad is food to eat and no money to buy baby for- the enclave’s second biggest force after Hamas. mula,” she said, sitting outside one of the Founded early in the 1980s in the wake of the Islamic clinics in Khazir camp. Revolution in Iran, a close ally and ideological inspira- The camp southeast of Mosul, where tion, it is devoted to armed action. In May, Islamic Jihad Iraqi forces are deep into the eighth month rejected Hamas’s new policy of somewhat easing its of a massive operation against the Islamic stand on Israel and accepting the establishment of a State jihadist group, is crammed with Palestinian state limited to the 1967 borders.—AFP around 32,000 people displaced from the war-torn city.Conditions in Khazir, one of the largest-but not the worst-displacement camps around Mosul are difficult. Temperatures soaring past the 110- Fahrenheit mark add to Rakan’s discomfort. “Sometimes I pound the biscuits they give us at the camp into powder and mix them with water to try to feed him by force,” said the young mother, her face partly covered by a black veil. A few yards down the queue, Marwa is also waiting for her turn to take her eight- month-old daughter to a doctor. The 25- year-old mother, who fled west Mosul with her family two weeks earlier, already had no maternal milk to give Maryam five GAZA: A Palestinian family eats dinner by candle- months ago.”These past few months made light at their makeshift home in the Rafah refugee me very tired, we kept moving from house camp, in the southern Gaza Strip, during a power to house until we finally managed to get outage. — AFP out,” she said. “I was sick and couldn’t feed her anymore.” As elite forces retake the city one neigh- borhood at a time, civilians often used as All articles appearing on these pages are human shields by the jihadists stay cooped the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait up in their homes-at risk from shelling and dwindling food supplies-until their area is Times takes no responsibility for views retaken. The line of haggard-looking moth- expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites ers holding their wailing babies curled around the clinic run by the International readers to voice their opinions. Please send Medical Corps, a US-based charity. submissions via email to: opinion@kuwait- Stress times.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Neshmeel Diller, one of the doctors at Safat, Kuwait. The editor reserves the right the clinic, said she examined up to 80 women in a single day. “Seventy percent of to edit any submission as necessary. them complain of their inability to breast- HASAN SHAM, Iraq: An Iraqi woman carries a child at the Hasan Sham camp for internally displaced people. Tired and trauma- feed and of their children always being tized, Iraqi mothers who fled Mosul struggle to breastfeed or buy baby formula milk for their babies. — AFP p15_Layout 1 6/13/17 6:07 PM Page 1

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 SPORTS

Federer done resting, IOC confident Beijing will Di Francesco edges begins Wimbledon prep be ready for 2022 Games towards Roma post

STUTTGART: Roger Federer will begin his grasscourt campaign and bid BEIJING: International Olympic Committee officials voiced confidence MILAN: Sassuolo coach Eusebio Di Francesco moved a step closer to tak- for an eighth Wimbledon crown at Stuttgart on Wednesday insisting on Tuesday that Beijing’s venues for the 2022 Winter Games will be ing over at Roma after the clubs agreed a compensation package, reports that he’s rested enough. The Swiss veteran has taken the last two ready on time after they inspected some sites. IOC coordination com- yesterday said. Roma have been looking for a new coach since Luciano months off after what he described as a surprisingly successful start to mission chairman Alexander Zhukov said after a two-day visit that Spalletti left last week to join fellow Serie A outfit Inter Milan. But Di the year that resulted in victory at the Australian Open and organisers had made “good progress” in preparations. Committee Francesco, a former midfielder with Roma, has been a long-time target for then the Indian Wells-Miami Masters double. “I was terri- members inspected four different sites, including existing venues such the capital club and, according to reports, could be officially appointed bly surprised to win the Australian Open and to back it as the Wukesong Sports Centre and the location of the new National today. Last year, Di Franceso extended his Sassuolo contract to 2019 but up and win the sunshine double in Indian Wells and Speed Skating Oval expected to be completed by 2019. While they did Sky Sport claim a compensation deal now has been agreed Miami was a complete surprise to me,” Federer said. not visit all the venues, Zhukov said: “We know that their level of main- with Roma. Di Francesco joined Sassuaolo in 2012 and Although 35, he has been in fine form during his limited tenance is high, and we are confident in their ability to host events.” steered them to the 2013 Serie B title. Although he was activity this year, losing only once-a shock reverse to China sealed its place on the world stage as an emerging superpower sacked in January 2014 following a run of poor results, Di Russian Evgeny Donskoy, then ranked 116, in Dubai. And with the 2008 summer Games, which were estimated to have cost the Francesco was brought back just two months later and while his own resurgence this year has taken him aback, country around $40 billion. Beijing’s willingness to spend big helped it has since kept Sassuolo in Serie A. He made 168 appear- Federer insists that Rafael Nadal’s return to claycourt win its bid to host the 2022 Winter Games, beating European cities that ances for Roma before taking a role as team manager at dominance was not so unexpected. “I think Rafa win- withdrew due to cost concerns. The executive vice president of the the club following his playing retirement, before ning the French Open is less of a surprise because he’d Beijing 2022 committee, Zhang Jiandong, said ground levelling work embarking on his coaching career in 2008 with done it nine times before,” he said.—AFP has begun for the speed skating venue. —AFP Virtus Lanciano in the Italian third tier. —AFP

KUWAIT: Sheikh Salman cutting the ribbon to open the diwaniya named after him. Sheikh Salman being awarded the first KOC medal. Kuwait Olympic Committee honours Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud

By Abdellatif Sharaa Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- sports under the directions of HH the Sabah to Youth and Athletes. He also Amir and political leadership to remove KUWAIT: President of the Civil Aviation called for consolidating efforts for the all obstacles that face Kuwait athletes. Directorate General Sheikh Salman Sabah sake of Kuwait sports and getting over Meanwhile, President of Kuwait and Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah was hon- struggles and differences, and having Arab Shooting Federations Eng Duaij ored by the Kuwait Olympic Committee Kuwait interest on top. Khalaf Al-Otaibi wished Commerce and (KOC) on Sunday evening. The event was Sheikh Salman lauded the role of Industry Minister, State Minister for Youth attended by KOC President Sheikh Fahad Commerce and Industry Minister, Acting Affairs in lifting the Kuwait sports suspen- Al-Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, KOC Vice-presi- State Minister for Youth Affairs Khalid Al- sion at the international level. dent Sheikh Fawaz Al-Mishal Al-Sabah, Roudhan, and Public Authority for Sports He said as for the sport of shooting “we Secretary Shafi Al-Hajiri, President of Director General Sheikh Ahmad Al- were able to remove the suspension Kuwait and Arab Shooting Federations Mansour in advancing the sports move- through a ruling by the Court of Eng Duaij Khalaf Al-Otaibi along with a ment. Arbitration for Sports (CAS), and we are number of member federations. Al-Humoud said “success in sports participating under the flag of the state of The honoring that took place at the depends on the state’s strategy success in Kuwait. committee premises was in recognition of supporting schools and universities activ- Al-Otaibi lauded the support of HH the Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud’s efforts in ities in all areas so that we can reach our Amir, HH the Crown Prince and HH the serving the sports movement and was goals.” He said the state spares no effort in Prime Minister, who despite the suspen- handed the Olympic Committee medal, supporting sports through building facili- sion, we are still receiving support that is which is given for the first time. The com- ties or participating in international unmatched by many international federa- mittee’s former Vice-president Eng Duaij events. He called for closing the files of tions be it at the level of facilities, trainers, Al-Otaibi was also honored in the the sports crises the country had suffered and training camps. diwaniya that was named after Sheikh during recent years and led to the inter- He also lauded the efforts of PAS Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah. national suspension of Kuwait sports. Director General Sheikh Ahmad Al- Sheikh Salman thanked Kuwait Al-Humoud said “I was honored to Mansour Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Olympic Committee president and mem- have participated in the achievements his support to the sport of shooting. He bers for this move. He lauded the major the sport of shooting had made at all lev- said the honoring of Sheikh Salman is support given by HH the Amir Sheikh els and having Kuwait flag high in all are- actually an honoring of the shooting Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, HH nas be it local, regional or international. sport community, as he is the founder of the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud said Kuwait the shooting sport in Kuwait. Al-Jaber and HH the Prime Minister is among the most countries spending on Duaij Al-Otaibi is honored.

Shafi Al-Hajiri being honored. Sheikh Salman with Sheikh Fahad Al-Jaber (R) and Shafi Al-Hajiri (L). Kiwis clinch spot against Oracle Team in America’s Cup

t’s on again, mates. The 35th America’s Cup The match starts Saturday with Races 1 and few hours later, the Kiwis dominated. They thing about this team is they’ve dug super It’s a bittersweet departure for Artemis. It match will be another showdown between 2. Oracle Team USA needs to win seven races finally won a start against Artemis skipper deep to get us to this point, keep making the had to regroup after the tragic death of IOracle Team USA and Emirates Team New to keep the oldest trophy in international Nathan Outteridge. Their 50-foot catamaran boat go faster while fixing the things that Andrew “Bart” Simpson - Percy’s partner in Zealand, a rematch of the epic 2013 regatta sports. Because Oracle won a bonus point by rose up on hydrofoils and showed its incredi- we’ve broken.” winning Olympic gold and silver medals - that was decided by one of the greatest come- winning the qualifiers, Team New Zealand ble speed in a 56-second, wire-to-wire victory. The Kiwis capsized last Tuesday, throwing when its 72-foot catamaran broke apart on backs - and collapses - in sports. must win eight races. There were subdued celebrations aboard the three sailors into the water and extensively San Francisco Bay in May 2013. Emirates Team New Zealand earned its spot In 2013, Oracle Team USA started at minus- Kiwi cat until a magnum of champagne arrived damaging their catamaran. They came back Percy said the sailors were “hugely disap- in the finals of sailing’s marquee regatta when 2 after being penalized in the biggest cheating . Grinder-trimmer Blair Tuke, who teamed with two days later and clinched their semifinal pointed. We felt we could go all the way this it sped away from Sweden’s Artemis Racing on scandal in America’s Cup history. It still won. Burling to win Olympic gold and silver medals, against Britain. Oracle Team USA beat Team time, and we haven’t.” But, he added, “We have Bermuda’s Great Sound on Monday to clinch Emirates Team New Zealand reached match popped the cork and sprayed his mates. New Zealand twice in the round-robins. climbed a huge, huge mountain together and the challenger finals at 5-2. point at 8-1 on San Francisco Bay. It had a big Their focus has to shift immediately to try- Artemis, led by Olympic gold medalists got ourselves to a point where I think every- It’s almost as if it were preordained that the lead in what could have been the clinching ing to atone for the mind-blowing loss in 2013. Outteridge of Australia and Iain Percy of one can see undeniably we are right up there scrappy Kiwis, now led by unflappable 26- race, but the breeze died and the time limit “That’s why we came to Bermuda, that’s what Britain, looked good in practice races earlier with the best of this great sport of sailing. So year-old helmsman Peter Burling, would once expired. Later that day, Oracle Team USA we’re here to do is bring that Cup back home this spring but didn’t find its stride until late in we do take pride from that.” again face the powerhouse US squad owned began an eight-race winning streak that to New Zealand,” said Burling, who replaced the trials. It rebounded from a 3-1 deficit to Team New Zealand first won the by Silicon Valley maverick Larry Ellison, skip- allowed it to retain the Auld Mug. the fired Dean Barker after the 2013 collapse. win four straight races against SoftBankTeam America’s Cup in 1995, with Russell Coutts pered by nails-tough Australian Jimmy Spithill On Monday in the challenger finals, a first “We feel like we’ve had an incredibly tough Japan to win its challenger semifinal, but too skippering a 5-0 victory against Dennis and featuring few Americans on the race crew. attempt at Race 7 was abandoned at the 25- road to get here. We’ve gone through a lot of many unforced errors cost it against the Kiwis. Conner off San Diego. It defended in 2000, “We definitely feel like we’re in great shape minute time limit with the boats crawling in adversity with the things like the capsize and Among them was Outteridge falling over- lost it in 2003 and reached the match again to take on Oracle now,” Burling said. barely a knot of wind. In freshening breeze a some tough races here and there. But one board in Race 3 on Saturday. in 2007 before losing. —AP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 SPORTS

Nissan powers Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge for 14th consecutive year. Nissan’s commitment to ME off-road motorsport remains unrivalled

TOKYO: ‘Build it and they will come.’ At least Australia at a time before the continent’s sur- many of its competitors wanted to exploit the that’s the theory, according to the movie, Field faced road network had been completed. This established connection between success in of Dreams. But when your “field” is thousands fact, combined with unseasonal rains which motorsport and success in retail sales. of square miles of inhospitable desert terrain turned the dirt roads into muddy tracks, effec- Consequently, its engineers were given the and your potential competitors are scattered tively made it, in part, an off-road event. These task of somehow fitting a 2.0 litre, in-line 6- far and wide across the globe and there is a factorsperhaps account for the 50% attrition cylinder engine from its large Gloria sedan vanishingly small local fanbase, just how do rate among a field that included works entries into its much smaller Skyline model. you “build” a sport? And even if you could from Volkswagen, Skoda and Toyota among Somehow, they managed it, which immedi- answer those questions there remains one last others. BothDatsuns, however, completed the ately vastly increased the power-to-weight problem: who will do the building? trial in 19 days and took a first and a fourth ratio of the little car. The engineers quickly In terms of building a platform foroff-road place in the up-to 1000cc class. You could say realised they had created something with motorsport within the Middle East, many this was Nissan’s first desert rally, as the route huge motorsport potential. They gave it the independent observers agree that Nissan took drivers across stretches of the unforgiv- name Prince Skyline 2000GT (S54) but in order deserves the credit for undertaking the heavy ing and unsurfaced Nulaboor desert. The fact for it to be eligible to compete in the GT II race lifting. Perhaps the most obvious manifesta- that both cars completed the event, suggests at the 1964 Japanese Grand Prix meeting at tion of this commitment is Nissan’s longstand- that there really is something in the DNA of Suzuka, they needed to build 100 production ing sponsorship of the event now known as Nissan that has always produced rugged, examples in advance of the race. That meant the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Powered by durable cars capable of soaking up tremen- burning the midnight oil to get all the cars Nissan. The company’s support for this iconic dous punishment. ready in time, but they made it with only a day race goes all the way back to its early years as or so to spare. the UAE Desert Challenge. Nissan, however BLUEBIRD TAKES FIRST OUTRIGHT WIN On it first outing at that race, this apparent- has been involved in motorsport in the Middle Thepublicity and resulting sales benefits of ly ordinary little 4 door family car earned itself East region since before the inception of this motorsport were made clear to Nissan a place in the hearts of all Japanese motor- gruelling test of man and machine and indeed through its successful participation in the sport enthusiasts by pluckily taking on the the company’s global motorsport heritage can 1958 Mobilgas Trial and slowly but surely the might of a fully race-bred and already highly be traced back to the 1930s, the decade in carmaker began to ramp up its presence on developed Porsche 904 Carrera GTS. It was a which it was created. the international motorsport scene. A first David and Goliath battle which the German appearance in 1963 at the East AfricanSafari contender ultimately won but not before a IN THE BEGINNING Rally - then one of the “Big Three” along with Skyline briefly held the lead, and with Skylines Adel Hussein Abdulla won the 2016 FIA T2 World Championship in his Nissan Patrol. It was in 1936 that Japan’s first purpose the British RAC and Monte Carlorallies - did taking all the places from 2nd to 6th. built motor racing circuit was created, the not produce instant success. However, before In 1966 Nissan acquired Prince and the on the scene selling cars since the 1950s - a the region” said Fadi Ghosn, Nissan Middle short-lived Tamagawa Speedway. Nissan the decade was finished Nissan would tri- Skyline model was absorbed into its line-up. time when there simply was no motorsport East’s Chief Marketing Officer. “The desert is entered its first ever motorsport event in the umph in its classat the Safari Rally, which at Over the following two decades Nissan steadi- to speak of in the Gulf region. Little by little, an unforgiving place, so our off-road vehi- first race meeting held there using a car built the time was considered the ultimate off road ly developed its motorsport abilities in the however, an embryonic off-road scene grew cles must be rugged, durable and reliable. out-of-hours by employees and based on a test of a vehicle. In 1970, Nissan fully estab- fields of rallying, touring cars and endurance out of the fun drivers were having taking Rallying is an incredible test bed for compo- production vehicle. In the race, they were lished its presence as a formidable force on racing, with operations split into two depart- their four wheel drive vehiclesinto the nents and our works prepared Patrols pro- beaten by a car built in a local machine shop, a the international rallying scene by winning the ments, one handling the development and desert and eventually an FIA vide us with invaluable data which enables situation that did not sit well with Nissan’s Safari Rally outright in the by-now fully devel- building of “works” or factory cars and the oth- sanctionedMiddle East Rally Championship us to build better cars for our customers. But founding President YoshisukeAikawa who was oped Datsun Bluebird 1600 SSS.The following er building cars for private customers. was created in 1984. It was through this equally, by encouraging motorsport in the in attendance. His disapproval of the defeat year Nissan consolidated that position, win- In 1984, the decision was taken to merge championship that Mohammed Ben Middle East we feel that we are promoting led to the creation of the Datsun Sorts NL75, ning the event outright again, but this time these two operations, which resulted in the Sulayem enjoyed the huge success which the region in the eyes of the world. Over the fitted with a 750cc DOHC engine complete with aDatsun 240Z. By the mid-1970s it was creation of the wholly owned, but separate allowed him to found the UAE Desert years the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has with supercharger. This car, which triumphed the Nissan Violet that carried the flag for the Nissan subsidiary, Nissan Motorsports Challenge in 1991. As chairman of the brought world-famous motorsport legends at the next race meeting held at Tamagawa, is company in international rallies, achieving International Co. Ltd, abbreviated to NISMO. organising committee he has steered the such as Carlos Sainz, Ari Vatenan and the now considered to have been Nissan’s first major successes, especially in the Safari Rally NISMO got involved at Le Mans soon after event to the point where it has a global rep- late Colin McRae to the UAE. The presence of “works” competition vehicle. which it won outright five times. the company was created, and has at different utation in the motorsport world. Through its such figures here all helps to showcase the times continued the pursuit of this most elu- committed sponsorship of the event, Nissan country as a wonderful place to visit. In this AN INTERNATIONAL DEBUT NISMO CONSOLIDATES NISSAN’S sive of crowns, adopting novel technical has played a significant role in providing the way, we feel we are playing a wider role in The advent of the second world war sig- MOTORSPORT DNA approaches including different drivetrain con- long-term investment platform and behind- assisting in the development of the Middle nalled the start of a two decades long hiatus Since that those first heady days of off-road figurations and radical aerodynamic solutions the-scenes support which has enabled the East’s economy.” for Nissan from competitive motorsport, but success , Nissan has kept its foot firmly planted in the various GT and Prototype cars it has Desert Challenge to flourish. In addition to the financial backing which the company came back with a bang in 1958. on the accelerator in terms of both circuit rac- entered. This approach - creative, innovative, “Nissan’s commitment to motorsports in helps guarantee the viability of the event, In that year, two Datsun 210s named nick- ing and rallying participation, helped in no helping shape the very future of motorsport - the Middle East is intrinsically linked to our Nissan Patrols are the Abu Dhabi Desert named ‘Fuji’ and ‘Sakura’ were entered into an small part by the creation of its NISMO division is fundamental to NISMO’s DNA. desire to create vehicles which serve the Challenge’s official vehicle, being used in event in Australia, which at the time was in 1984. needs of our customers in what is one of the the preparation phase by the organisers to dubbed”the world’s cruellest rally.” The The genesis of NISMO was a small Japanese MIDDLE EAST’S OFF-ROAD harshest motoring environments on the map out the course to be followed by the MobilgasTrial was a 16,000km event that took carmaker named Prince. In 1964, two years SCENE TAKES FLIGHT planet, but it is also born out of a broader participants, as well as during the race itself competitors around the circumference of before it was acquired by Nissan, Prince like Here in the Middle East, Nissan has been wish to support the overall development of as support vehicles.

SWIMMING RUGBY Hackett blames drinking Late penalty sinks stuttering Lions and anxiety for woes SYDNEY: Australian Olympic swimming great Grant DUNEDIN: The British and Irish Lions stum- The Lions now have two wins and two side missing seven players on international 12 penalties, Warburton said the match Hackett has blamed excessive drinking and anxiety bled to a 23-22 defeat to the Otago losses after four outings on their gruelling duty was a disappointment for Gatland’s should help instill some discipline as the attacks for a series of unsavoury incidents that badly tar- Highlanders yesterday as they suffered the 10-match New Zealand tour, with the first men, who were looking to build momen- tourists build to the three-Test series nished his reputation. The 37-year-old sought help for second loss of their tour ahead of next Test in Auckland looming a week on tum after beating the Canterbury against the world champion All Blacks. mental health issues in February after being arrested at week’s first Test against the All Blacks. Saturday. The match was played at break- Crusaders on Saturday. “We’re going to learn a lot more from a his parents’ home following a family bust-up. He then The Lions finally found their attacking neck pace in front of a capacity 27,000 They also have concerns over lock game where we lose by one point than we went missing for several days, sparking fears for his safe- mojo, scoring three tries to two-more than crowd at Forsyth Barr stadium, with both Courtney Lawes, who went off in the first win by 60,” he said. “We can mature a bit as ty. He said he had been in a bad place mentally and doubling their try tally so far-but lost from sides attempting to run the ball under the half with head knock. Fullback Stuart Hogg a squad and work on those key moments.” drinking excessively as he opened up yesterday for the a winning position through a late penalty. covered roof. It resulted in a chaotic scram- earlier departed the tour after suffering a The Highlanders decided against per- first time since then. “Unfortunately, some big moments we ble in the final minutes, when replacement facial fracture against the Crusaders. forming a haka before the match and were “I was in a bad place, I suffer from pretty bad anxiety didn’t nail allowed them back into the fly-half Marty Banks potted a penalty to instead led out by a piper before captain and ended up drinking. I drank too much at my parents’ game,” coach Warren Gatland said after his give the Highlanders a one-point edge. HAKA-FREE ZONE Luke Whitelock handed Warburton a giant house and got into an argument with my dad,” he told team led 22-13 mid-way through the sec- Elliot Daly attempted to return fire but The Lions showed attacking intent, with claymore sword. The hosts tested fullback KIIS commercial radio. ond half. “We needed some strong game his long-range penalty effort fell just short, captain Sam Warburton among the try- Jared Payne under the high ball early but Several weeks earlier, he had got in a fight with his management to close the game down. before centre Jonathan Joseph’s knock-on scorers as he fights to secure his Test spot he proved up to the challenge, prompting brother, who was trying to help him recognise he had We’ve taken a little bit of a step backwards after the siren dashed hopes of a last-gasp after a run of injuries. them to send the ball wide. problems. It left him with a black eye. “I wasn’t in a good but we have to learn from those moments.” comeback. The loss against a Highlanders While disappointed the Lions conceded After a penalty apiece, All Black Waisake space for a couple of months and he came over to my Naholo scored the first try after Malakai house and I was refusing that help, I didn’t want him to Fekitoa broke the Lions’ defensive line and come in and when I get in that state of mind I get quite flanker Gareth Evans off-loaded as he was reclusive,” Hackett said. “He wanted to come in, I didn’t being crashed to the ground. want him to come in. I was trying to push him out and Joseph hit straight back with a scything we got into a push-and-shove and he whacked me with run that left Highlanders fullback Richard his weak arm, so I’d hate to see him (hit me) with his Buckman flailing, locking up the scores 10- strong arm.” Hackett said the incident at his parents’ 10 at the break. Scottish winger Tommy home-in which they feared for their safety-had terrified Seymour put the Lions into the lead just him, and prompted him to seek help after admitting he after the restart, beating Fekitoa in the air hit “rock bottom”. as he tried to gather Naholo’s cross-field “I was deep down in that ditch and hit rock bottom,” kick. Warburton then gave the tourists a he said. “When I got arrested I thought, ‘This is it, I’ve had third try after a dominant Lions scrum, only enough of this’. “I get anxiety, I haven’t handled the past for Highlander Liam Coltman to retaliate few years very well in bits and pieces. Ever since I went from a lineout drive. That reduced the through that divorce and all the publicity that followed.” arrears to 22-20, and Owen Farrell missed a Hackett retired after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, hav- chance to give the Lions some breathing ing won the 1500m freestyle at both the 2000 Sydney space with a penalty from out wide. and 2004 Athens Games. He also claimed four world But Banks made no mistake after the titles in the 30-length event. Highlanders won a scrum penalty, coolly But he quickly ran into problems with a messy divorce slotting over the posts to put the hosts and allegations he smashed up his Melbourne home in ahead 23-22 with eight minutes to go. 2011. Then in 2014, he checked into a US rehabilitation Daly’s ambitious kick from 56 metres fell clinic to treat an addiction to sleeping pills. just short before Joseph’s mistake ended He came out of six years of troubled retirement in the match, a harsh result for the try-scorer, 2014 in a bid to make the Rio Games, but narrowly who was one of the Lions’ standouts. The missed out on a berth and after the Olympic trials in Lions’ next tour match is against the Maori 2016, hit the headlines again with a public meltdown on DUNEDIN: Highlanders winger Tevita Li, center right, makes a run down field against the British and Irish Lions during their All Blacks in Rotorua on Saturday, with the a plane.—AFP game in Dunedin, New Zealand, yesterday. The Highlanders defeated the Lions 23-22. — AP first Test in Auckland a week later. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 SPORTS

Rahm goes from low amateur to top contender at US Open

ERIN: Jon Rahm left his first US Open Rahm said Monday. “The future was so him five shots, and he opened with a 76. deep rough. This was no time to take a shaved slopes around the green. There is with a gold medal for being the low ama- unknown. There were so many options Rahm has such passion for how he plays big risk and cost himself spots on the plenty of hay, thick and knee-high, for the teur and no guarantees except for spon- depending on how I did. To see how I’ve that his emotion can get the best of him. leaderboard when he needed a high fin- really wayward shots. sor exemptions to play in six PGA Tour accomplished my goals on such a fast It also can spur him on, and he bounced ish toward getting a tour card. “A lot of Rahm didn’t bother going in there events in two months. pace ... of course, I wanted to be top 10 in back with a 69 to make the cut, and two people might have laid up or tried to give Monday. “There’s no need to injure my That was one year ago, and even for the world someday. I didn’t believe I solid rounds on the weekend (72 -70) to themselves a better chance to make par, wrist before I tee off,” he said. But he Rahm, it’s hard to believe how far the 22- could win, give myself chances to win tie for 23rd. And that unknown future finish second or get almost all the money liked what he saw. It’s a big course, and year-old Spaniard has come. A year after World Golf Championships, get into the was cleared up quickly. needed to take the card,” he said. “I wasn’t he has power to spare. He sees holes his final event as an amateur, Rahm is one top 10 in the same year.” In his first tournament as a pro, he thinking about the card at that point. All I where he can attack, and Rahm knows of the favorites at Erin Hills. He is No. 10 in He doesn’t lack any of the skills shot 64 at Congressional - which has had in mind was winning the tourna- no other way. “It’s not the usual US Open the world - only Tiger Woods and Sergio required to be among the best in the hosted three US Opens - and was leading ment. Same in Canada, when I hit the golf course, the US Open classic setup,” Garcia were ranked higher at a younger world. He certainly doesn’t lack for confi- the Quicken Loans National. Rahm shot in 18, it was a 5-iron. I took it right at Rahm said. “It’s more similar to age. Along with winning at Torrey Pines dence. But there was that moment at the wound up in a tie for third, and he was it. I didn’t hesitate. “When I’m playing, I Chambers Bay. And actually, I absolutely with an eagle on his final hole, Rahm US Open last summer at Oakmont when well on his way to securing a PGA Tour don’t think of anything else than doing love the golf course. It’s a very long golf challenged Dustin Johnson in Mexico Rahm felt he gave the toughest test in card for the following season. the best I can do to win a tournament.” course, big greens, a little different to and scared him in Match Play when golf a little too much credit. But it was the way he finished at Erin Hills is a different test than what it played last year. It gives you a lot Johnson was on his three-tournament “I teed off a little too on the defensive Congressional, and a month later in the Oakmont, a traditional course that has of opportunities to hit the pin. You can winning streak. side, tried to respect the golf course too Canadian Open, that showed why he is hosted the US Open a record nine times. be really creative. And I believe it will be Oakmont now seems like far more much and not playing as aggressive as I such a threat no matter where he plays. Erin Hills opened only 11 years ago, a a really fun week.” than a year ago. “It’s truly amazing to me did,” Rahm said. He made a few bad He was trailing Billy Hurley, who still had massive course in Wisconsin farmland The last year has been nothing short to just look how things have changed,” swings after a second rain delay that cost more holes to play, and Rahm was in with generous fairways, elevation and of a joy ride. — AP

BOSTON: Deven Marrero #17 of the Boston Red Sox score in eleven innings on a hit by Dustin Pedroia #15 of the Boston Red Sox as Andrew Knapp #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies fields a late throw at Fenway Park on Monday in Boston, Massachusetts. — AFP

BASEBALL Taillon leads Pirates over Rockies in comeback game

PITTSBURGH: Jameson Taillon pitched five score- from a six-week stint on the disabled list. He had homer. Betts had four hits with three doubles and a less innings on his return from treatments for testic- been out with a strained left hamstring, and also single, and Andrew Benintendi also hit a solo homer GOLF ular cancer to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the had been nagged by trouble with his quadriceps. for Boston, which has won three of four. Tommy Colorado Rockies 7-2 in Major League Baseball on John Lackey (4-7) fell to 0-4 in five starts. Joseph had a two-run single and former Red Sox Monday night. Taillon (3-1) allowed five hits, walked player Daniel Nava three hits for the Phillies, who Thailand hails new hero two and struck out five. The 25-year-old had surgery BRAVES 11, NATIONALS 10 have lost 10 of their last 12 games in Fenway Park. May 8, four days after losing to the Reds at Tyler Flowers hit a go-ahead three-run home run Matt Barnes (5-2) pitched two scoreless innings of as Ariya makes history Cincinnati, then made three rehab starts in the off Matt Albers in the ninth inning as Atlanta came relief with five strikeouts. minor leagues. Josh Harrison hit a two-run home from three runs down to beat Washington and snap BANGKOK: Thailand hailed Ariya through their teens the family sold their run, his eighth, in the first inning off Kyle Freeland a three-game skid. Flowers had been hitless in his WHITE SOX 10, ORIOLES 7 Jutanugarn as their new sporting hero house and car to raise enough funds. (7-4). Harrison, David Freese and Jose Osuna each first four at-bats before he took Albers’ fastball to the Kevan Smith hit his first career home run, Avisail yesterday as she finally secured her place It was a gamble that paid off. Ariya has had two hits for the Pirates. Freeland, a rookie, lost opposite field and into the Nationals bullpen. Matt Garcia celebrated his 26th birthday with three RBIs on top of the world rankings-a week after won some $3.9 million in career earnings for the first time in seven road starts by giving up Adams hit a pair of homers, including one off starter and the White Sox beat the Orioles. The White Sox being wrongly named number one. while her sister has racked up $1.6 mil- five runs (four earned) and nine hits in 5 2/3 innings. Stephen Strasburg. The Nationals’ ace gave up six opened a four-game series on a strong note after The 21-year-old overcame that disap- lion. Many Thais left messages of support Freeland failed to pitch the past the sixth inning for runs and three homers. Adams’ second homer, a solo dropping nine of 11 and handed the Orioles their pointment to sink a monster 25-foot on social media after Ariya’s number one just the second time in his last 10 starts and allowed shot, was the first of five runs scored against a fifth straight loss. Smith set the tone with a two-run birdie putt in a playoff on Sunday to take spot was confirmed. a home run in a sixth consecutive outing. Nationals bullpen that blew its 11th save and second drive in the second against Wade Miley (2-4) and fin- the Manulife LPGA Classic in breathtak- “You have written a new chapter in during a four-game losing streak. Albers (2-1) ished with a career-best three RBIs. Garcia added an ing style and ensure a fairytale finish to a Thailand’s sporting history,” wrote one METS 6, CUBS 1 allowed the final three runs in the ninth after enter- RBI double in a four-run third and drove in two rollercoaster week. Facebook user. “You have won the hearts Jacob deGrom pitched a five-hitter and Asdrubal ing to work out of an eighth-inning jam. Atlanta’s more with a single in the fourth to give Chicago an The win in Canada came a week after of all Thais.” Ariya’s struggles and success Cabrera atoned for an embarrassing error by lining bullpen allowed two runs over 5 and 2/3 innings. 8-2 lead. Matt Davidson had an RBI single and solo the LPGA said Ariya would take over the mirrors that of Thailand’s other great two home runs and turning four double plays as the Jason Motte (1-0) pitched a scoreless eighth and Jim homer. Melky Cabrera had three of Chicago’s 14 hits. top ranking from Lydia Ko, only for her to female sporting star-badminton player Mets beat the Cubs. DeGrom (5-3) threw the Mets’ Johnson allowed a run but completed the ninth for Jose Abreu added a single, a ground-rule double be informed when the rankings were Ratchanok Intanon. She has also topped first complete game of the season as New York won his 13th save. and scored twice. Jake Petricka (1-0) pitched one-hit published a day later that an embarrass- the world rankings during her career and its fourth in a row. Still under .500 but getting ball over 2 1/3 innings after Mike Pelfrey struggled, ing miscalculation had been made and first picked up a racket at a badminton healthier, the Mets started a key two-week stretch RED SOX 6, PHILLIES 5, 11 innings and the White Sox picked up the win after a 2-7 that she was still 0.01 points behind the centre where her parents worked as a where they face 14 straight games against teams Dustin Pedroia singled home the winning run in road trip. New Zealander. cleaner and driver. —AFP that reached the NL playoffs last year. The Cubs the 11th inning to lift the Red Sox to a win over the The weekend’s victory put her eleva- dropped to 31-32 with their ninth straight road loss Phillies. Pablo Sandoval opened the inning with a MARINERS 14, TWINS 3 tion to number one beyond doubt and it - the World Series champions haven’t won away single off Casey Fein (0-1). Deven Marrero pinch-ran Nelson Cruz drove in four runs and Mitch was duly confirmed when the new rank- from Wrigley Field in a month during their worst and moved up on a sacrifice. After Mookie Betts was Haniger had four hits as the Seattle Mariners started ings were released on Monday, sparking road skid since 2012. Mets star outfielder Yoenis intentionally walked, Pedroia hit a ground single to a series against Minnesota with a football score for celebrations back home. Cespedes left the game because of a sore left heel. right and Marrero beat the throw from Aaron the second time in a week to beat the Twins. Thailand has a long golfing history He went 1 for 3 before being pulled. On Saturday, Altherr with a headfirst slide on a close play. Hanley Danny Valencia and Mike Zunino hit back-to-back but Ariya made history by being the first Cespedes hit a grand slam at Atlanta in his return Ramirez had tied the game 5-5 in the eighth with a home runs in the eighth inning, the fifth such feat Thai, male or female, to reach the top of for the Mariners this season. Yovani Gallardo (3-6) the world rankings. MLB results/standings sailed through six innings with the excess sup- Pictures of a beaming Ariya-known by port, allowing three runs and seven hits. Twins her nickname “May” back home-were San Diego 9, Cincinnati 3; NY Yankees 5, La Angels 3; Chicago White Sox 10, Baltimore 7; Seattle 14, Minnesota 3; rookie Adalberto Mejia (1-2) struggled from the emblazoned across most Thai newspaper Texas 6, Houston 1; NY Mets 6, Chicago Cubs 1; Boston 6, Philadelphia 5 (11 innings); Atlanta 11, Washington 10; start, allowing nine hits and nine runs and leaving front pages yesterday. Pittsburgh 7, Colorado 2. with two outs in the fourth inning. The first two “May is world’s number one, she has batters in the lineup, Ben Gamel and Haniger, made history for Thai golfers,” read the American League National League reached base and eventually scored all three front page headline of Thairath, the Eastern Division Eastern Division times they faced Mejia. country’s largest selling newspaper. W L PCT GB Washington 38 25 .603 - “She fought hard to claim her success,” NY Yankees 38 23 .623 - NY Mets 29 33 .468 8.5 RANGERS 6, ASTROS 1 junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha told Boston 35 28 .556 4 Atlanta 28 35 .444 10 Yu Darvish pitched seven solid innings and reporters. “Her family were dedicated, Tampa Bay 34 32 .515 6.5 Miami 27 35 .435 10.5 Nomar Mazara hit a three-run homer to give the they struggled and sacrificed.” Baltimore 31 31 .500 7.5 Philadelphia 21 41 .339 16.5 Rangers a win over the Astros. Darvish (6-4) Much of the coverage focused on the Toronto 31 32 .492 8 Central Division allowed one hit and one run with three walks. He financial sacrifices Ariya’s family made so Central Division Milwaukee 33 31 .516 - induced a season-best 12 groundball outs. The she and her older sister Moriya, the world Minnesota 32 28 .533 - Chicago Cubs 31 32 .492 1.5 Cleveland 31 29 .517 1 Rangers went up 2-0 on back-to-back triples by number 46, could turn pro. St. Louis 29 32 .475 2.5 Detroit 30 32 .484 3 Rougned Odor and Joey Gallo in the third inning. Ariya first showed an interest in golf at Cincinnati 29 34 .460 3.5 Kansas City 28 34 .452 5 The Astros got an RBI single by Alex Bregman in the age of five when her father opened Pittsburgh 29 35 .453 4 CAMBRIDGE: Ariya Jutanugarn of Chicago White Sox 27 35 .435 6 the fifth, but a run-scoring double by Adrian an equipment shop at a Bangkok driving Western Division Thailand with the trophy after sinking Western Division Beltre gave the Rangers some insurance in the range. Worried she might distract cus- Colorado 41 25 .621 - her birdie putt on the 1st playoff hole Houston 44 21 .677 - sixth inning. Mazara provided more cushion with tomers, Ariya’s dad gave her some clubs to win during the final round of the LA Angels 33 34 .493 12 LA Dodgers 39 25 .609 1 his shot to straightaway center field off Dayan to play with, local media reported. Manulife LPGA Classic at Whistle Bear Seattle 32 33 .492 12 Arizona 39 26 .600 1.5 Diaz with two outs in the eighth to make it 6-1. From then on both she and Moriya Golf Club on Monday in Cambridge, Texas 31 32 .492 12 San Francisco 26 39 .400 14.5 Houston starter Joe Musgrove (4-5) allowed five were hooked. As they progressed Canada. — AFP Oakland 27 36 .429 16 San Diego 25 40 .385 15.5 hits and two runs in 4 2/3 innings. — AP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 SPORTS

Morgan drops Bairstow hint ahead of Pakistan semi-final

CARDIFF: England captain Eoin Morgan nament...he’ll definitely play.” However, ODI innings when standing in for others at Durham two years ago sums him up,” wouldn’t be too bad.” But the South said yesterday there was a “chance” that backing has softened in the light of in England’s top order. Although he’s yet Middlesex left-hander Morgan said. African, who denied using “mind games”, Jonny Bairstow could replace the strug- Roy’s repeated failures and Morgan, to open in ODI cricket, Test wicket-keep- “He came from playing for Yorkshire, was well aware of Bairstow’s quality, hav- gling Jason Roy for the Champions fresh from his impressive 87 in England’s er Bairstow’s highest List A score of 174, straight into the squad having played no ing seen him score an unbeaten 61 on Trophy semi-final against Pakistan in group win over Australia, indicated for Yorkshire against Durham last month, part in the series, and he produces a his Headingley home ground in a four- Cardiff today. And Morgan insisted he Tuesday the team could not afford to at the top of the order. match-winning knock. So I think his all- wicket ODI victory against Pakistan last would have “no worries” about Bairstow ‘carry’ anyone as they went in search of a “Jonny’s qualities are that he’s a fan- round ability is as good as we have in the year. Bairstow was only called into the opening-something he has yet to do in first major ODI tournament triumph. tastic batsman,” Morgan said. “I think his squad. “But, like I’ve mentioned before, England side shortly before the start international cricket. Morgan would not best attribute, certainly in white-ball it’s a very difficult team to get into and after Jos Buttler suffered a hamstring confirm his XI at yesterday’s pre-match ‘BUSINESS END’ cricket over the last year and a half, has you’ve just got to wait for your chance,” injury in the warm-up. press conference in Cardiff but said there “I mentioned after the last game been his relentless attitude to score runs he added. “I’d have no worries if he has “He wasn’t supposed to play half an was “a chance we could make a change”. that we’re getting to the business end of regardless of the situation.” to open the batting...If Jonny does get hour before the game, got roped in for Surrey opener Roy has averaged just 6.37 the tournament and we need to produce Morgan cited Bairstow’s unbeaten 83 the opportunity, I’m sure he’ll take it with Buttler, and got man-of-the-match, from eight ODI innings this season, with results, so it’s important that we get in England’s ODI series-clinching win both hands.” Pakistan coach Mickey recalled Arthur. “So that was an incredi- a mere two double-figure scores. what we feel is our best XI to win the over New Zealand at Chester-le-Street in Arthur said he would be glad if Roy was ble performance. “The only thing I will Morgan had been staunch in his sup- tournament out tomorrow (Wednesday) 2015 as proof of the 27-year-old’s ability left out. “I was particularly worried that say, I know that Bairstow has opened at port of Roy before the Champions in order to win the game,” said Morgan. to rise to the occasion. “One innings he Roy hadn’t fired yet because I think he’s county level, he’s never done it interna- Trophy started, saying: “The decision Bairstow, in marked contrast to Roy, did play for us won us a series, against very close to something quite good,” said tionally, and I think that’s a different ball remains the same throughout the tour- has scored three fifties in his last four New Zealand, a match-winning knock up Arthur. “So if he’s not playing, that game.” —AFP

CRICKET Sarfraz hopes Cardiff run continues in England s-final

CARDIFF: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed They’ve won 11 of their last 12 matches at holders India in their tournament opener before hopes the team’s “high confidence” in Cardiff will this level, a far cry from their woeful first-round defeating top-ranked South Africa. stand them in good stead when they return to exit at the 2015 World Cup, and Eoin Morgan’s the Welsh capital to face England in a men were the only side to exit the group stage ROY WORRY Champions Trophy semi-final today. of the Champions Trophy with a perfect played If Pakistan have middle-order concerns, It will be Pakistan’s second key match at three, won three, record. the big decision facing England is whether to Sophia Gardens in a matter of days after a tense “England is a very good team, a very, very drop opener Jason Roy, whose latest low three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka there on good team,” said Sarfraz of the tournament score against Australia means he has now Monday saw them into the last four of a tourna- hosts. “If you are playing a world-class team, managed just 51 runs in eight ODI innings ment featuring the world’s top eight one-day definitely, you play more positive cricket, so we this season. Morgan, previously unstinting in international (ODI) sides. will do so against England,” he added. But Sri his praise of Surrey batsman Roy, was not Pakistan, chasing a seemingly modest 237 for Lanka might well have won had they dismissed quite so effusive after a win at Edgbaston on victory, were on the brink of defeat at 137 for Sarfraz, with Thisara Perera guilty of dropping a Sunday where England slumped to 35 for six. But Sarfraz made Sri Lanka pay for dropping simple catch at mid-on when he had made 38. three before their captain’s 87 and Ben him twice with a superb 61 not out and received “If we had held those catches, it would have Stokes’s 102 not out bailed them out, with the excellent support from Mohammad Amir (28 not been a different story,” said Sri Lanka captain duo sharing a stand of 159. out) in a decisive and unbroken eighth-wicket Angelo Mathews. “It’s unfortunate that Jason didn’t get runs,” stand of 75. It was Sarfraz’s second impressive Pakistan certainly made far harder work than said Morgan. “We revisit it every game, every- CARDIFF: This is a Friday June 9, 2017 file photo of Bangladesh’s Mosaddek Hossain, innings at Cardiff after the wicket-keeper’s 90 on they ought to have done of getting to the body’s position, whether it can be changed center, as he celebrates with his teammates after taking the wicket of New Zealand’s the same ground last year saw Pakistan chase knockout stage in a winner-takes-all clash given around, can we do anything better?” James Neesham during the ICC Champions Trophy, Group A cricket match between down a target of 303 against England in a four- they held Sri Lanka to 236 all out, with pacemen England do have the in-form Jonny Bairstow New Zealand and Bangladesh, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales, The cricket-mad wicket win that prevented a 5-0 ODI series Junaid Khan (three for 40) and Hasan Ali (three waiting in the wings. Although he has never country of Bangladesh will play its biggest ever game when the team takes on India whitewash. for 43) doing the bulk of the damage. opened in ODIs, Bairstow did make 174 at the in the Champions Trophy semifinals tomorrow. — AP “We played the last ODI here. We win that “I think it’s a great win today, and credit goes top of the order for Yorkshire against Durham in time, we chased 300, so definitely our confi- to the bowlers, who bowled really well at a cru- a domestic 50-over match this season. dence is very high playing in Cardiff,” Sarfraz told cial time,” said Sarfraz. “Yes, there is a little bit of Roy apart, England appear to have all bases Cricket fever reporters after Monday’s nailbiting triumph. concern about the middle order batting, but we covered as they go in search of their first major will sort out the problems.” ODI tournament title, with key fast bowler ‘POSITIVE CRICKET’ A two-day turnaround does not leave much Mark Wood summing up their mood by saying: grips Bangladesh England, however, have arguably time to address such issues but, then again, “It’s great to be part of a team with so many DHAKA: As the city’s 18 million inhabitants body, in 2000, which allowed the country improved their white-ball game even more Pakistan only needed three days to bounce back game-changers ... so many match-winners, will attest, Dhaka - the densely populated to play matches against the world’s top since that series. from a 124-run thrashing by arch-rivals and title- with bat or ball.” — AFP capital of Bangladesh - is known as the “traf- teams on a more regular basis. fic capital of the world” for good reason. There have been some dark days since Expect roads there to be deserted at then: They went nearly five years (May about 3:30 pm local time tomorrow, 1999-March 2004) without a victory in one- though. “A journey that would take one day cricket, a run that took in 45 losses and hour to get to your destination, will take two no results because of washouts. But five minutes,” predicted Habibul Bashar, being exposed to the game’s best players, one of Dhaka’s more famous residents. combined with improved domestic struc- Bashar is the former captain and cur- tures and coaching, saw Bangladesh gradu- rently a national selector of Bangladesh’s ally pick up significant wins here and there. cricket team, which will be taking part in An ODI win over Australia in Cardiff in the biggest game in its history tomorrow. 2005, when Bashar was captain; a group- “The Tigers” - as the team is also known - stage victory over India - under the leader- play India in Birmingham, England, in a ship of Bashar - at the 2007 Cricket World semifinal match in the ICC Champions Cup that helped the team reach the Super Trophy, one of the world’s leading cricket Eights; a first overseas Test series success tournaments. over a top-tier team, against West Indies in “This is big, very big,” Bashar said. “The 2009; the famous group-stage win over most important day of Bangladeshi cricket England at the 2015 Cricket World Cup as ever. This is what we have been dreaming the Tigers reached the quarterfinals. for.” Once regarded as the minnows of high- On Friday, Bangladesh beat New level cricket, Bangladesh’s players are on a Zealand in Cardiff, Wales, to give itself a remarkable journey to the top of the game. chance of qualification to the last four of At the Champions Trophy, they managed to the Champions Trophy and progress was finish - partly by luck, partly by skill - above sealed by Australia losing to England in 2015 World Cup finalists Australia and New Birmingham the following day. Zealand in group play to qualify for the semi- “I think everyone has contributed to finals of an ICC tournament for the first time. what we are today,” Bangladesh captain Cricket is Bangladesh’s most important Mashrafe Mortaza said. “The whole nation sport - “the people, they eat and sleep will be with us, as they were in our desper- cricket; they do everything for cricket,” ate times and good times.” Bashar says - so the country with a popula- These days, players like Shakib Al Hasan, tion of 160 million cannot wait for tomor- Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, row. “Literally, when a cricket match is hap- Mahmudullah and Mortaza are established pening, there’s nothing else in Bangladesh,” names even to the average cricket fan - and Bashar said in a phone interview from icons to kids in Bangladesh. Shakib and Dhaka after returning from the Champions Mahmudullah put on a national-record Trophy. “I think no one will miss this. Each partnership of 224 in the win over New and everyone will see this game.” Zealand. “This is one of the big things; in Bangladesh was only granted full mem- Bangladesh, everyone wants to play cricket bership of the ICC, cricket’s governing now,” Bashar said. — AP CARDIFF: Pakistan’s Sarfraz Ahmed plays a shot during the ICC Champions Trophy match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in Cardiff no Monday. — AFP De Villiers to lead SA Anil Kumble set to remain in England T20 series LONDON: AB de Villiers will captain Test players Hashim Amla, Quinton de South Africa in their three-match Kock, JP Duminy and Kagiso Rabada have India coach for Windies tour Twenty20 series against England, team all been rested for the Twenty20 series as officials announced yesterday. South Africa try to make sure their key NEW DELHI: Anil Kumble’s term Committee of Administrators, told dogged by controversy. One of its earVlier this month, citing the De Villiers takes over from Faf du players remain fresh on a lengthy three- as India coach looks set to be reporters on Monday. high-profile members, historian committee’s mishandling of the Plessis, who has returned home, follow- month tour of England. extended until the end of the India will play five one-day inter- Ramachandra Guha, resigned Kumble situation. —AFP ing South Africa’s group-stage exit from “We have also been impressed as a West Indies tour next month, a nationals in the Caribbean starting the Champions Trophy, to attend the panel by the quality of players coming top official said Monday. The June 23, with a Twenty20 interna- birth of his first child. through our franchise and South Africa A Board of Control for Cricket in tional wrapping up the trip on July 9. However, the senior batsman is system and we are ready to give further India (BCCI) advertised for a head Rumours of a rift between expected back in time for the first of four opportunities to Andile Phehlukwayo, coach in May with Kumble’s one- Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Tests against England at Lord’s starting Mangaliso Mosehle, Jon-Jon Smuts and year deal due to expire at the end Kumble were reported to be on July 6 — a series de Villiers is set to Dane Paterson-who all made their debuts of the Champions Trophy in behind the BCCI throwing open miss as he takes a break from the longest in the recent series against Sri Lanka,” England this week. the position. Former India greats international format. Zondi added. The first one-day international Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly De Villiers, South Africa’s one-day inter- South Africa Twenty20 squad to play in the West Indies just 10 days and VVS Laxman have been tasked national captain, will skipper the Proteas in England AB de Villiers (capt), Farhaan away with Kumble in the mix for with selecting the next coach. three T20s against England in Behardien, Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, the post along with former India Rai, whose special committee Southampton, Taunton and Cardiff starting David Miller, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, opening batsman Virender was assigned by the Supreme on July 21. He will be in charge of a 14- Mangaliso Mosehle (wkt), Wayne Parnell, Sehwag and Australian coach Tom Court to oversee the scandal-rid- man squad, without several Proteas regu- Dane Paterson, Andile Phehlukwayo, Moody, according to media den cricket board, dismissed alle- lars and one man yet to make his T20 Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon- reports. gations of a spat between Kumble international debut in all-rounder Dwaine Jon Smuts. But BCCI official Vinod Rai said and Kohli. Pretorius. a special panel overseeing the “There is no question of any Cricket South Africa selector Linda Fixtures selection was yet to decide if controversy... We discussed with Zondi said: “I would like to thank Farhaan June 21: 1st T20 International, someone else will take the reins. Kohli, we discussed with Kumble Behardien for leading the side so ably in Southampton (1730 GMT) “Since it has got delayed, Anil and neither of them confirmed to the recent series against Sri Lanka. June 23: 2nd T20 International, Kumble, subject to his acceptance, what has come out of media “We are indeed fortunate in the quali- Taunton (1600 GMT) will be there till the West Indies reports,” said Rai. ty of our team leaders, and Farhaan June 25: 3rd T20 International, Cardiff remains very much part of this group.” (1330 GMT). — AFP tour,” Rai, who is chairman of the Rai’s committee has also been Anil Kumble WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 SPORTS

Modric appears as star witness in Croatia graft trial ZAGREB: Luka Modric will swap his football kit for a Hotspur. From there he joined Real Madrid in 2012. tion campaign of President Kolinda Grabar- ‘MODERN DINAMO CREATOR’ suit yesterday as he appears in the witness box to His testimony given to prosecutors in Zagreb in Kitarovic. Most Croatian football fans consider him Judge Darko Kruslin has often warned and testify in a multi-million-euro corruption trial 2015 could be embarrassing for the Mamic broth- the real boss of the Croatian Football Federation threatened him with fines over his behaviour. But against Dinamo Zagreb’s ex chairman. ers. “I acted as I was told, to withdraw cash and give and believe its formal chief Davor Suker is merely unlike the other suspects, he regularly attends the The 31-year-old star midfielder is to give evi- it to them,” Modric told the prosecutors, according Mamic’s puppet. The magnate has bragged to trial. “I’m not a criminal, I’m the creator of a modern dence at the trial of controversial Zdravko Mamic, to the Jutarnji list newspaper. He explained that he media about feeling like a “Hollywood star” in Osijek Dinamo. With my arrival to the club the fight against considered the most powerful man in Croatian foot- paid them some seven million euros, as instructed, because local people regularly approach to greet corruption began,” Mamic told local media. ball. Mamic is being tried along with three others: from the nine million that arrived in his bank him. Since the trial opened in April under strict Dinamo have won 18 national championships his brother and former Dinamo Zagreb coach Zoran account from Dinamo. Another Croatian interna- security, Mamic lived up to his controversial reputa- since the former Yugoslav republic declared inde- Mamic, former club director Damir Vrbanovic, and a tional, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren, will follow tion, easily losing his temper and trying to turn the pendence in 1991. Witness Modric, who grew up as tax inspector. as a witness today. The 27-year-old is expected to process into a performance. a refugee child in Zadar on the Dalmatian coast, is They were charged last year with abuse of power be questioned over his 2010 transfer from Dinamo The indictment is the “most disgusting lie I’ve highly popular in Croatia where he has a reputation and graft that cost the former Croatian champions to French side Lyon. heard in my life” and the trial “a politically-rigged for modesty. more than 15 million euros ($17.6 million), and the process”, he said, lambasting the anti-corruption He was only six when Croatia’s independence state 1.5 million euros. ‘FAKERS AND MANIPULATORS’ prosecutors as “fakers and manipulators”. State war broke out, and although Zadar was heavily Most of the money-more than 12 million euros- The trial has attracted huge interest from media attorneys were even allocated extra protection after bombed his football skills in the corridors of a was illegally acquired by the Mamic brothers, said and residents in the eastern city of Osijek, where it is Mamic verbally attacked one of them. refugee hotel and in cratered car parks did not go the indictment. The cash was allegedly embezzled being held, reportedly to avoid Mamic’s influence “What the fuck are you laughing at!” he shouted unnoticed. Mamic’s trial is a major one for Croatian through fictitious deals related to player transfers. on judges in the capital Zagreb. at Sven Miskovic in the courthouse, prompting a football, which is known for the success of its Modric is expected to testify over the details of Mamic’s connections extend into many spheres warning from the judge while his lawyer tried to national team but also hooliganism and poor infra- his 2008 transfer from Dinamo to Tottenham of Croatian public life and he donated to the elec- calm him down, local media reported. structure. — AFP

SOCCER Souza’s quickfire goal sparks Brazil to win over Australia

MELBOURNE: The world’s number one team Brazil demolished Australia 4-0 fired by a Diego Souza goal after just 12 seconds in their interna- tional friendly in Melbourne yesterday. The Socceroos held the five-times World Cup cham- pions to 1-0 at half-time but the dazzling Brazilians ripped apart the home defence with three second-half goals. Souza, who replaced injured striker Gabriel Jesus, scored twice with other goals from defender Thiago Silva and substitute Taison with MEXICO CITY: United States coach Bruce Arena, center, celebrate with Christian his first international goal. Pulisic, left, as Michael Bradley salutes supporters at the end of a World Cup soccer Brazil bounced back spectacularly from their qualifying match at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Sunday. — AP 1-0 loss to Argentina at the same venue on Friday with captain for the night Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho and Chelsea’s David Luiz out- Bruce Arena rebuilds US standing for the South Americans. Brazil, which did not bring stars Neymar, Marcelo, Dani Alves confidence after Klinsmann or Roberto Firmino to Melbourne, still had far too much firepower for the Socceroos. Brazil got MEXICO CITY: Bruce Arena has managed obviously gives people a lot of confidence off to a stunning start with a goal after just 12 the tricky task of establishing a sense of not only in Bruce but in themselves and in seconds when defender Bailey Wright dithered calm along with urgency within the US soc- the team.” On the sidewalk outside Estadio and gave away the ball to Giuliano. Giuliano cer team. It’s quite a contrast to the frustra- Nacional in San Jose, Costa Rica, last fall, sent Diego Souza through to beat goalkeeper MELBOURNE: Diego Andrade (L) of Brazil scores his second goal during the friendly interna- tion and futility at the end of Jurgen U.S. captain Michael Bradley said self-exam- Mitch Langerak for his first international goal. tional football match between Brazil and Australia in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP Klinsmann’s coaching reign last November. ination and urgency was needed. Speaking But after the catastrophic start, the Socceroos Of course, climbing from last to third in in Azteca’s tunnel on Sunday night, Bradley settled down with their passing improved from possession to substitute Willian as Brazil turned Germany in their first game on June 19. the final round of World Cup qualifying has diagnosed what had gone wrong. last week’s World Cup 3-2 qualifier win over the screws on the Socceroos. “I guess the first half, apart from the first eased pressure immensely. “We haven’t lost “It was just a case at the end of last year Saudi Arabia. Coutinho, Brazil’s ninth captain Coutinho and Luiz, Brazil’s two most influen- action where we conceded a silly goal, I thought yet this year since Bruce has had the team,” where a few too many areas started to drop, since Tite became manager, troubled the tial players, were substituted minutes apart it wasn’t too bad,” Australia coach Ange US Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati and I think Bruce has done a very good job Australians with his deft close skills and touch, before substitute Taison scored his first interna- Postecoglou said. “The second half, I’ll take said Monday, a day after a 1-1 draw with of coming in and just little by little working while Luiz was rock solid as the holding mid- tional goal. After exquisite interplay by Willian, responsibility. We made a lot of changes and Mexico at Azteca Stadium. “So whatever at getting every - just raising the level across fielder in front of the back three. The Brazilians Paulinho back-heeled the ball into Taison’s path looked disjointed and they took advantage of has gotten us there, whatever occasion or the board,” he said. “And obviously a big part made it 2-0 just after the hour when Luiz’s thun- to slot home. that. And we conceded two from set pieces bonding that’s led to a change, that’s a pos- of it is this idea of team, of spirit, of mentali- derous header from Coutinho’s corner came off Souza had a free header off corner in the which we hadn’t done for a while.” itive, and certainly Bruce has to receive a lot ty, of (guts) and understanding that we have the bar for Silva to nod home amongst a crowd third minute of stoppage time to round off the Brazil, who were the first time to qualify for of credit.” Now 65, Arena is a member of the good players, we have a good team, but of players in the six-yard box. scoring for Brazil. It was a sobering farewell for next year’s World Cup finals in Russia, will face US National Soccer Hall of Fame. He we’re not good enough to just step on the Langerak saved with his legs to deny Souza the Australians, who leave today for Russia and Ecuador in Porto Alegre on August 31 in their coached the national team from 1998- field and think that things are going to take from scoring when Mark Milligan gave away the Confederations Cup where they face next World Cup qualifier. — AFP 2006, leading the Americans to the 2002 care of themselves.” World Cup quarterfinals in their best result Arena’s biggest personnel changes were since the first tournament in 1930. to add left back Jorge Villafana, who was Klinsmann was fired after a 2-1 home overlooked by Klinsmann, and to bring loss to Mexico and a 4-0 fiasco at Costa back midfielder Darlington Nagbe, Rica. The rebound in qualifying under the dropped by Klinsmann in a spat for refus- witty and sarcastic Arena began with a 6-0 ing an invitation to a training camp ahead home win over Honduras and a 1-1 tie at of exhibition games last October. Panama. It continued with a 2-0 home vic- Arena used 20 of the 26 players on his tory over Trinidad and Tobago last roster in the last two qualifiers, changing Thursday in Colorado and the draw against seven starters because of the 7,820-foot El Tri - just the third point the Americans altitude and the short recovery time. have gained at Azteca. “When you have the confidence of the “I’m not going to compare the current manager to put you in a game like this, it situation to any previous situations. I don’t means everything, obviously,” said Brad think that is appropriate. But I think that Guzan, who started against Mexico in place clearly the team has responded to some of of No. 1 goalkeeper Tim Howard. “We’ve the things that Bruce has outlined and is got a lot of good guys in our group, not just doing, and that’s what we were hoping for,” the guys that are here on this trip, but guys Gulati said. “I think it’s probably a lot of little back home, and I think ultimately that’s things and not any one thing. going to make our team stronger.” “Obviously when you’re on the field and Arena shifted from a 4-4-2 formation in camp and the team starts to believe against Trinidad to a five-man back line even before they’ve played a game that against Mexico, a tactic he settled on in the they’re capable of playing better and of winter, and had players practice daily once winning, that helps. And then when you go the most recent training camp opened May out and see results that come from that, 29. He wouldn’t try to explain how he creat- from following the path he’s laid out, that ed confidence. — AP

NHL Panthers new coach Bob Boughner says team’s future is bright SUNRISE: The Florida Panthers went into park. It really did. It was incredible to see.” this offseason with a very specific plan Added Panthers President Matthew ‘Women Football Tournament’ regarding what they thought they wanted Caldwell: “He blew us away. He’s the right fit for for the team’s next head coach. Then they us.” DeBoer said the Sharks hated to see met with Bob Boughner. And their plan Boughner leave. “This is a terrific opportunity for Championship match tonight changed on the spot. Bob to become a head coach in the National Boughner was introduced Monday as Hockey League and one that he deserves,” the Panthers’ 15th coach in 24 years - and Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said. KUWAIT: The championship ment encourages women to incor- the fifth to hold the job since 2011. It’s the Boughner is the fifth coach to be hired match to decide the winner of porate playing sports as part of first time Boughner has gotten the reins of since the regular season ended, a list that the ‘Women Football Tournament’ leading an active and healthy an NHL team, and he comes to Florida after includes the Vegas Golden Knights choos- is scheduled to take place tonight lifestyle. Gulf Bank is also support- spending the last two years as an assistant ing Gerard Gallant as their first coach. at the Jaber Al-Ahmad ing and conducting several other coach under former Panthers coach Peter Gallant was fired by the Panthers early this International Stadium. The final activities. These include the distri- DeBoer in San Jose. past season, getting replaced by then-gen- game kicks off at 9 pm and bution foodstuff boxes in collabo- “I think we have a lot of great pieces eral manager Tom Rowe. But Florida never awards ceremony will take place ration with Saveco, the Kuwait here to build something special in South found the same form it had a year ago on at 10 pm. For easy access to the Food Bank, and LOYAC. Florida,” Boughner said. the way to the Atlantic Division title, and stadium, please enter through Staff from the Bank are also cur- General manager Dale Tallon said missed the playoffs by 14 points. gate number three. rently visiting to hospitals to cele- Boughner sees the game in a modern way That led to the Panthers going back to The event is being held under brate “Girgi’an” with children, and and is the right leader to get the Panthers what has worked in the past: Tallon square- the patronage of and in the pres- holding “Girgi’an” celebrations back toward competing for the Stanley Cup. ly in charge again as general manager, and ence of H.E. Khaled Nasser Al- with other health institutions and Tallon said the Panthers quickly decided his first major move of the offseason is Roudan, Minister of Commerce special needs schools. Earlier in after interviewing Boughner that he was bringing in a 46-year-old - he shared the ice and Industry and Acting Minister the month, the Bank launched a the pick, and went forward with the rest of with Panthers free agent forward Jaromir of State for Youth Affairs. The tour- well-received Ramadan-themed their lengthy search anyway - no one know- Jagr both as a teammate and an opponent nament is organized by Eighty television commercial, which can ing those subsequent talks were in vain. - to take over a team that believes it should Percent, a socially driven sports be viewed on the Gulf Bank “Of all the interviews and of all the peo- be right back in the playoff mix next spring. company established by three YouTube channel. ple, Bob Boughner impressed us like no Panthers captain Derek Mackenzie said young Kuwaiti women dedicated To find out more about Gulf one else,” Tallon said. “All the years I’ve been players had no doubt Tallon would make the to sports and fitness. Bank’s initiatives please visit one of in the business interviewing coaches, firing right call. “Given the makeup of our team Gulf Bank was pleased to spon- Gulf Bank’s 56 branches; visit the coaches, meeting coaches, Bob was the and knowing the way he played, I think it’s sor the tournament as part of its bank’s bilingual website at www.e- most prepared. His performance, his prepa- kind of the perfect combination for our series of events during the Holy gulfbank.com, or see its social ration, his passion knocked us out of the team right now,” Mackenzie said.— AP Month of Ramadan. The tourna- media channels. Late penalty Thailand hails sinks stuttering new hero as Ariya Irish Lions makes history

WEDNESDAY,16 JUNE 14, 2017 17 Souza’s quickfire goal sparks Brazil to win over Australia Page 19 Durant, Curry lead Warriors to NBA title

OAKLAND: As a fresh NBA champions cap sat a tad off- The Warriors won in 2015 before the Cavs made their kilter on his head, Kevin Durant embraced mother historic comeback last year. Then it was Golden State’s Wanda. Then he moved across the podium and hugged time again, with Durant as the prized addition. Sure, the Stephen Curry before accepting his shiny MVP trophy, Warriors missed becoming the first undefeated champi- holding out his arms and hoisting it for everyone to see. on, but 16-1 still gave Golden State the best winning From the Bay all the way to OKC. Durant capped his percentage of any title team at .941. spectacular first season with the Warriors by bringing Durant shot 14 for 20 and Curry - the two-time reign- home that coveted NBA championship he joined ing MVP who took a backseat as the new big star got Golden State last July so determined to get. He scored acclimated - finished off a brilliant postseason. Not to 39 points in a fast-and-furious, Finals-clinching 129-120 mention a healthy one after his 2016 injuries. Green victory over LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers stayed on the court in a game that featured three tech- in Game 5 on Monday night. nicals on one play 3:08 before halftime. David West “You can talk about whatever you want to talk about, fought for the ball with Irving, then they got tangled up but nobody comes in and cares about the game or and Tristan Thompson entered the fray and he and West loves the game as much as I do or works as hard as do I went at each other face-to-face. West, Thompson and at the basketball game. You can talk about whatever J.R. Smith received techs after a replay review. Green happens on the outside, but inside those lines, I come had sat out this very game a year ago, suspended to bring it every day,” Durant said. “I work hard, I believe because of flagrant foul point accumulation. He had 10 in myself, I believe in the game, I respect the game, I points, 12 rebounds and five assists in this clincher. love the game, and I knew at some point in my life that With a much-improved bench led by Iguodala, JaVale it will come around for me.” Stephen Curry added 34 points, 10 assists and six McGee, Shaun Livingston and West, that “Strength In rebounds as Golden State closed out its second title in Numbers” slogan that has become such a staple the three years after squandering a 3-1 lead a year ago. That past two seasons shined all season long, from Durant’s stung ever since, and even Durant understood, because 19-game absence late in the regular season with a left he gave up the same lead to the Warriors a round earlier knee injury to assistant coach Mike Brown stepping in with Oklahoma City. for 11 postseason games to lead the way while Steve James, who in 2012 with Miami beat the Thunder in Kerr was ailing. Durant’s only other Finals, wound up with 41 points, 13 Golden State used a 28-4 second-quarter run to take rebounds and eight assists. “I left everything on the charge - just after it appeared Durant should have been floor every game,” James said after averaging a triple- called for a third foul on a basket by James - and got to double in his eighth Finals. celebrate right at home in Oakland surrounded by a Kyrie Irving followed up his 40-point gem in Game 4 deafening home crowd waving yellow rally towels and with 26 points but shot 9 for 22. This time, King James holding up phones to shoot video and photos as the gave way to KD, who was the NBA Finals MVP 10 years final minute of the clock ticked away. after being picked second in the NBA draft behind Greg The Warriors became the first Bay Area team to cap- Oden. Durant drove left, right and down the middle, ture a championship at home since the A’s finished the knocked down 3-pointers, dished and dunked. He hit a Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 5 of the 1974 World 17-foot fadeaway over James early in the fourth quarter, Series. then assisted on a 3-pointer by Andre Iguodala the next A year ago, these Warriors fell short after a record- time down as the Warriors pulled away. setting season that included a 24-0 start and 73 victo- Iguodala, the 2015 Finals MVP, came up big again ries at the end to break the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ wins with his 2017 postseason-best 20 points off the bench mark. Then they got Durant, who after the buzzer in a testy, tightly called finale to this trilogy Finals that sounded did a little shake with Curry on the court everyone had stamped on the calendar from the before they slapped hands several times. OAKLAND: Golden State Warriors players, coaches and owners pose for photos after Game 5 of basketball’s moment Durant departed Oklahoma City to join Curry “I’m happy for him,” Curry said. “You’ve got to call NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Oakland, Calif., Monday. The Warriors won 129-120 to win the and Co. last July. Kevin Durant a champ now.” — AP NBA championship. — AP Pound tumbles as election sows uncertainty Page 24

Attorneys General hopes Business to force Trump financial disclosures WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 Page 25 Lauded to loathed: Who’s afraid of Tycoon Mallya denies charges at London hearing George Soros? Page 22 Page 23

BEIJING: A general view shows a construction site on the outskirts of Beijing. — AFP Trump to tout apprenticeships President hopes this will fill the job gap

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump says apprentice- ployment. The most recent budget for the federal govern- degree and get first-in-line consideration for jobs from 250 at the Urban Institute. Another complication: only about half ships could match workers with millions of open jobs, but ment passed with about $90 million for apprenticeships, participating employers. It relies on funds outside the of apprentices finish their multi-year programs, Lerman said. he’s reluctant to devote more taxpayer money to the effort. and Trump so far isn’t proposing adding more. apprenticeship program - a challenge in that the Trump Fewer than 50,000 people including 11,104 in the military Instead, Trump and Labor Secretary Alex Acosta say the But the Trump administration, like President Barack budget plan would cut spending overall on job training. The completed their apprenticeships in 2016, according to Labor administration is focused on getting universities and private Obama’s, says there’s a need that can be met with a change program uses $1.2 billion in federal funding provided under Department. The Trump administration has yet to spell out companies to pair up and pay the cost of such learn-to-earn in the American attitude toward vocational education and the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act passed in how it would close the completion gap. Acosta said Monday arrangements. apprenticeships. A November 2016 report by Obama’s 2006, said P-TECH co-founder Stan Litow. that the policy would revolve around encouraging more The president has accepted a challenge from Commerce Department found that “apprenticeships are not “This really demonstrates what you can do with appren- partnerships between business and schools rather than Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff to create 5 million appren- fully understood in the United States, especially” by employ- ticeships with existing dollars,” Litow said. Eric Haban, 35, increasing the $90 million the federal government currently ticeships over five years. Now, as part of a week-long ers, who tend to use apprentices for a few, hard-to -fill posi- started as a youth apprentice junior in high school and then devotes to apprenticeships. “I want to challenge the apprenticeship push, he is visiting Waukesha County tions” but not as widely as they could. The shortages for completed a four-year program at Lakeshore Technical assumption that the only way to move policy is to increase Technical College in Wisconsin Tuesday with his daughter, specifically-trained workers cut across multiple job sectors College in Wisconsin, the first state in the country to pass a government spending,” Acosta said at the Monday White Ivanka, as well as Acosta and Wisconsin Gov Scott Walker. beyond Trump’s beloved construction trades. There are law establishing apprenticeship programs in 1911. At the House news briefing. “We should measure success based on “Apprenticeships are going to be a big, big factor in our shortages in agriculture, manufacturing, information tech- school, Haban learned to be a machinist for LDI Industries, outcomes and not simply based on spending.” country,” Trump said during his first-ever full Cabinet meet- nology and health care. which makes hydraulic components and lubricating equip- Susan Helper, former chief economist at the Commerce ing Monday. “There are millions of good jobs that lead to “There aren’t enough people to fill the jobs and the peo- ment. “It really gave me a jump start to get into a field that I Department, said it would likely require more than $90 mil- great careers, jobs that do not require a four-year degree or ple applying don’t have the skills necessary,” said Conor had no prior experience in,” Haban said. lion a year to cover the administrative costs of increasing the the massive debt that often comes with those four-year Smyth, spokesman for the Wisconsin Technical College number of apprentices. But Helper, currently a professor at degrees and even two-year degrees.” System, where President and Ivanka Trump, Acosta and Few and far between Case Western University, noted that how federal funds are Walker were visiting. That’s where apprenticeship comes in. Apprenticeships are few and far between. Of the 146 mil- spent on apprenticeship programs also matters. Tax breaks Idea welcome Participants get on-the-job training while going to school, lion jobs in the United States, about 3.5 percent - or slightly might do little to expand the number of apprenticeships, Many employers and economists - and Republicans and sometimes with companies footing the bill. more than a half-million - were filled by active apprentices in since the major barriers involve the upfront costs of starting Democrats - welcome the idea of apprenticeships as a way IBM, for example, participates in a six-year program called 2016. Filling millions more jobs through apprenticeships an apprenticeship program that helps groups of smaller to train people with specific skills for particular jobs that P-TECH. Students in 60 schools across six states begin in high would require the government to massively ramp up its employers and the community colleges often involved in employers say they can’t fill at time of historically low unem- school, when they get a paid internship, earn an associate’s efforts. “Scaling is the big issue,” said Robert Lerman, a fellow apprenticeship programs. —AP EU seeks post-Brexit powers India’s excess land is over London finance hub enough for housing MUMBAI: India should use excess land some estimates. Government enterprises BRUSSELS: The EU unveiled plans yesterday to firms such as the London Stock Exchange stand based European Securities and Markets held by government agencies to meet its themselves are unsure how much land give itself new powers over London’s banking at risk of a forced move of their euro clearing Authority. With the proposal, “the door remains goal of providing housing for all by 2022, they have, said Samar Lahiry, a former business after Brexit in a blow to the city’s business to a bloc country. “We are giving ESMA open to the forced relocation” of clearing houses experts and activists said, as the country adviser to the government’s planning supremacy as a global financial hub. The draft more powers to regulate European counter par- considered at risk of causing severe damage to struggles with rising conflicts over land for commission. “India has sufficient land for law unveiled by European Commission vice-pres- ties,” an EU official said, in reference to the Paris- the EU economy, another source said. — AFP industry, infrastructure and its citizens. all uses, including housing, if we use our ident Valdis Dombrovskis will empower Europe The government recently launched a existing resources with prudence,” Lahiry to decide if post-Brexit London has the right to long-delayed process to sell 2,000 acres of said. “We need to evaluate land use and host financial market “clearing houses” that deal unused land belonging to unprofitable take stock of land that is locked up with in euros, the EU’s single currency. state-owned enterprises - known in India PSUs. Using idle land for vital civic infra- Clearing houses are a key part of the financial as public sector undertakings (PSUs). structure such as hospitals, roads and system’s plumbing, with trillions of euros being The railways, ports, aviation and affordable housing is important, given the handled every year, mostly out of London. “As we defence ministries also hold vast tracts of contentious nature of land acquisition.” face the departure of the largest EU financial cen- surplus land. A portion of this land held by tre, we need to make certain adjustments to our the government must be given to states Urban poor rules to ensure that our efforts remain on track,” to build housing for poor and low-income Some of these surplus government- Dombrovskis said in a statement. The draft law is groups to meet India’s goal of Housing for held lands have been encroached upon weaker than the forced relocation of euro clear- All by 2022, experts and activists said. “The by the urban poor struggling with a lack ing initially feared by London, in a sign that the government says finding land is the of affordable housing. Government com- EU does not want to overtly offend Britain only biggest problem for affordable housing, mittees over the years have failed to sell days after Prime Minister Theresa May embar- but the government is sitting on so much off these lands because of a lack of clear rassingly lost her majority in British elections. land that is lying idle,” said Shivani guidelines, inadequate records and a lack The issue of whether euro clearing houses can Chaudhry, executive director at New of coordination between various min- remain in the British capital is set to be one of the Delhi-based advocacy group Housing and istries. A spokesman for the ministry of most contentious issues when Britain negotiates Land Rights Network. housing said plans to create a land bank its future trade relationship with the EU after its “PSUs could easily work with the min- are on track. “The government has asked departure. Britain has jealously guarded domi- istry of housing to see how best to PSUs how much unused land they have. nance of the clearing house sector in Europe and address this issue, but they would rather Once there is a clear idea of how much won an EU court decision in 2015 against the monetise the land in other ways.” India’s land there is, the government will draw up European Central Bank in order to keep hosting state-owned enterprises hold more than 1 a plan for its use,” A A Rao told the the euro deals. LONDON: Britain’s Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union (Brexit Minister) David million acres of surplus land, according to Thomson Reuters Foundation. — Reuters Still, under the draft law, vaunted financial Davis arrives to attend a Cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 BUSINESS Indian tycoon Mallya denies charges at London hearing LONDON: Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya yes- Mallya, known for his lavish lifestyle, terday insisted he was innocent as he made Kingfisher beer a global brand and appeared at a court in London over an ran a now-defunct airline with the same extradition request from India, where he is name. He stepped down as the director of accused of fraud. “I deny all allegations that the Indian Premier League cricket team have been made and I will continue to Royal Challengers Bangalore last year. deny them,” the flamboyant financier, who Mallya caused a stir last week when he co-owns Formula One team Force India, attended India’s cricket match against South said outside the court. “I have not eluded Africa in London, where Indian fans met him any court. If it is my lawful duty to be here, with shouts of “chor, chor” (thief, thief). I’m happy to be here,” he added. “I’ve given His financial dealings are being investi- enough evidence to prove my case.” gated by the federal Central Bureau of Ben Watson, Mallya’s representative, told Investigation and the Enforcement the preliminary hearing that his client could Directorate, a financial crimes agency. Mallya face a second extradition request, including was once known as the “King of Good Times” a “separate set of charges”. Mallya fled India but dropped off India’s most wealthy list in in March 2016 owing more than $1 billion 2014, engulfed by the massive debts of his after defaulting on loan payments to state- grounded carrier Kingfisher Airlines. Mallya, owned banks and allegedly misusing the who now lives in a sprawling $15 million (13 funds. India submitted an extradition million euro) mansion in England’s county of Kuwait: Non-oil activity maintains solid request to Britain in early February after Hertfordshire, has denied absconding and investigators demanded the 61-year-old be has criticized the media for what he has growth amid mild fiscal adjustment brought home to face charges. called a “witch hunt”. — AFP NBK ECONOMIC UPDATE

KUWAIT: Non-oil activity has remained resilient Consumer sector has slowed the residential sector has been improving. The since oil prices began retreating in 2014, thanks The consumer sector has long been a robust number of transactions in the sector during the in large part to a strong projects pipeline and and reliable source of growth in Kuwait. This three months through April 2017 was up 22% y/y. relatively limited fiscal adjustment. We expect began to change in 2015 and 2016, following Prices have also been showing signs of stabi- non-oil growth to improve slightly to 3.5-4% in the persistent decline in oil prices when house- lizing, as reflected in NBK’s real estate price 2017 and 2018. Inflation is also expected to holds took a more cautious view of the econo- indices. Prices experienced an orderly correction remain largely in check as pressures from hous- my. The sector continues to be supported by during the last two years of around 18-20% from ing rent ease, and despite some upward pres- steady growth in employment and salaries, par- the highs in the residential and investment sec- sures from subsidy cuts. ticularly in the government sector and among tors. However, since the middle of 2016, NBK’s Meanwhile, the fiscal deficit should narrow in Kuwaiti households. price indices indicate that real estate values have 2017 and 2018 as oil prices improve and some Consumer spending continued to moderate been holding. additional fiscal adjustment is implemented. in 1Q17, but maintained a decent pace. The val- Despite healthy non-oil activity, overall GDP ue of point-of-sale transactions grew by 7.1% Inflation rose following growth is expected to take a hit in 2017 as y/y; while slower than the double-digit growth the rise in fuel prices Kuwait continues to apply cuts to crude oil pro- rates recorded in previous years, the pace held Inflation eased in recent months after impact duction agreed upon in conjunction with other up relatively well thanks to steady growth in of the September 2016 hike in fuel prices faded LONDON: Indian tycoon Vijay Mallya leaves court in central London yesterday. —AFP OPEC members. Those cuts, which are aimed at employment and wages (Chart 6). Household and growth in housing rent began to moderate. supporting oil prices, are expected to reduce borrowing also moderated over the last year; Inflation eased to 2.6% y/y in March compared Kuwait’s average crude output by 7-8% in 2017. growth in consumer debt eased to 6.7% y/y in to its peak at 3.8% y/y in September 2016. US wholesale prices flat in Overall GDP is likely to shrink by around 2.4% in March 2017 (Chart 7). Declining housing inflation was a welcome 2017, before returning to positive growth of Most of the weakness in the sector has come development, and comes after four years of May on low food, energy 3.2% in 2018. from lower consumer confidence. Ara’s index has accelerating price growth in the sector. Government project activity remains healthy been on a declining trend for over four years. It Weakness in the real estate market no doubt WASHINGTON: Falling food and energy decline, amid flagging car sales, falling Capital spending has increasingly been driv- fell more rapidly in 2016 after the government began to makes itself felt. Rent inflation went prices helped keep US wholesale infla- 1.4 percent from April. ing non-oil economic activity, with the imple- hiked fuel prices and while it has since recovered from a recent high of 7.3% y/y in mid-2016 to tion flat in May, in another sign of slack- “The drop in new car sales in recent mentation pace holding up relatively well after a somewhat from those levels, it remains relatively 4.3% this past March. ening price pressures, the Labor months clearly has worried automakers, clear pick up in 2014. Project awards were subdued (Chart 8). The index stood at 104 in Department reported yesterday. The new who have responded with the biggest one- healthy in 1Q17 at KD 1.4 billion according to April, surpassing the 100 mark for the first time Fiscal deficits will persist, but figures come as the US central bank month price cut since July 2009,” Ian MEED Projects. The figure is similar to the quar- in nine months. to remain manageable begins a two-day monetary policy meet- Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics terly average in 2016. Another KD 6.2 billion in Employment growth among Kuwaiti nation- While oil prices have improved over the last ing, with the Federal Reserve widely said. However, services showed persistent projects are in the bidding stage and could be als remains relatively healthy. While there has year, the Ministry of Finance is expected to con- expected to raise the key interest rate for signs of rising prices, up 2.1 percent com- awarded in 2017. The projects pipeline remains been a slowdown in private employment, this is tinue to register a deficit in the medium-term. the second time this year despite signs of pared to May 2016, the largest increase in solid, given the government’s commitment to its due to the clampdown on “phantom employ- With the price of oil expected to stay around a cooling economy. two and a half years. development plan. The government remains ment”, which has resulted in a drop in reported $55-60 per barrel in 2017 and 2018, a deficit of Policymakers said last month they Excluding the more volatile categories committed to an ambitious capital spending employment numbers since mid-2015. However, 19% of GDP is expected in FY16/17, after the believed the weakness in the economy food, fuel and trade services, PPI slipped program. Indeed, the Kuwait National employment of nationals in the public sector mandatory allocation to the Future Generations likely was “transitory” and a rate hike 0.1 percent for the month, while the 12- Fund (FGF). The deficit is likely to narrow to would be appropriate “soon,” although month rate was up 2.1 percent, around 14% of GDP in FY17/18and to 12% in they also promised to wait for confirma- unchanged from last month. FY18/19 as oil prices improve and additional fis- tion the recovery has resumed before Shepherdson said costs for services were cal reforms are implemented. increasing the benchmark lending rate. driving up “core” PPI, excluding food and Since oil prices began to decline in 2014, the The Producer Price Index, which meas- fuel, which gained 0.3 percent for the government has taken a number of steps ures input costs from the seller’s perspec- month and was up 2.1 percent over May towards fiscal adjustment. A package of fiscal tive, was unchanged in May, down 2016. Core goods and services prices are reforms was approved by the cabinet a year ago, sharply from April’s 0.5 percent jump. trending higher, he said in a research including energy and water subsidy cuts, and The result matched analyst expectations. note, and while “Neither are yet very the introduction of a corporate income tax and a For the latest 12 months, PPI was up alarming ...further sustained increases value added tax (VAT). The National Assembly 2.4 percent, down a tenth of a percent- would be unwelcome.” (NA) approved increases in electricity and water age point from last month’s reading. The May consumer price report is due tariffs beginning in 2017. New taxes, including Energy prices continued to see sharp out Wednesday, which last month the VAT, are unlikely before 2019. We estimate declines, dropping three percent, as showed a 12-month rate of 2.2 percent, that these reforms will reduce the deficit by gasoline prices plunged 11.2 percent, the two-tenths below PPI. Chris Low of FTN Development Plan (KNDP) was re-launched in continued to see robust growth of around 3.5% around 5-6% of GDP by 2020, excluding the largest drop since February 2016. Food Financial said, “There is plenty of leeway 1Q17 under the “New Kuwait” slogan. The plan, in 2016. Meanwhile, expatriate employment impact of higher oil prices. prices meanwhile fell 0.2 percent in the for wholesale prices to rise faster than also dubbed Kuwait Vision 2035. It seeks to maintained healthy growth of 5.6%. The government reduced government month. Car prices also posted a big consumer prices. — AFP transform the country into a financial, cultural spending by around 15% in FY15/16. and trade leader. The plan brings together a Credit growth has remained healthy Government spending is likely to have returned number of ongoing initiatives into a renewed Credit growth has remained relatively healthy to positive growth in FY16/17. Spending during and more comprehensive vision for the coun- boosted by the resilience of non-oil GDP and the the first eight months of FY16/17 was above try’s development, which includes structural and pace of capital spending, though a large corpo- expectations at 98% of the pro-rated budget, fiscal reforms as well as capital spending plans. rate repayment in 4Q16 has distorted the figures indicating growth of 1.5%. The FY17/18 draft The KNDP targets investment of KD 34 billion (Chart 4). Credit growth in March stood at 3.6% budget, which awaits National Assembly through 2020, about a third of which will come y/y. Gains were seen across a number of sectors approval, projects expenditure growth of 5.3%; from the private sector. A number of schemes are led by “oil & gas”. Growth in “productive” sectors we think it will be slightly lower at around 4%. being implemented as public-private partnership (excluding real estate and securities lending) In March 2017, the government approved projects (PPP), including the Al-Zour North and accelerated to a robust 9.6% y/y reflecting increases in electricity and water tariffs that Khairan integrated power generation and water progress in Kuwait’s projects pipeline. were significantly lower than those mandated desalination projects. As a result of the infrastruc- in legislation passed in May 2016. The subsidy ture investment push, aggregate investment is Real estate prices appear to stabilize cuts, to be introduced this year, will increase expected to continue to see healthy growth. Activity in the real estate market continued to the electricity rates to 3-5 fils per kilowatt- Expenditures on gross capital formation grew by decline year-on-year for the third consecutive hour (kWh) for the various sectors from the 13% in 2015 and could see real growth of 8-9% year, but there are some early signs of stabiliza- current 2 fils. Water tariffs will rise to KD 2 per on average in 2017 and 2018. This could further tion. Sales during the 12 months through April 1,000 imperial gallons from the current KD 0.8. push up the share of investment in the economy 2017 were off by 22% y/y (Chart 9). Most of the We estimate that the revenue increase from NEW YORK: In this Saturday, May 20, 2017, photo, boxes of the Aldi food market to 23%, the highest level recorded in over 20 recent weakness has come from the investment the new utility prices will be around KD 0.2bil- chain’s Millville Raisin Bran are on display in a purple box similar to the versions years, and up from 19% in 2015. and commercial sectors. Meanwhile, activity in lion or 0.6% of GDP. made by Kellogg and Post, at an Aldi store. —AP

EXCHANGE RATES

Chinese Yuan Renminbi 45.135 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Swiss Franc 317.220 Indian Rupee 0.004275 0.004963 Australian Dollar 230.660 Thai Bhat 9.910 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000018 0.000024 US Dollar Buying 302.700 Turkish Lira 86.480 ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen 0.002673 0.002853 Japanese Yen 2.773 GOLD Kenyan Shilling 0.002939 0.002939 Indian Rupees 4.726 20 Gram 261.980 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Korean Won 0.000259 0.000274 Pkistani Rupees 2.899 10 Gram 133.910 Malaysian Ringgit 0.067172 0.073172 Srilankan Rupees 1.984 5 Gram 67.800 CURRENCY BUY SELL Nepalese Rupee 0.002976 0.003146 Nepali Rupees 2.956 Pakistan Rupee 0.002714 0.003004 Singapore Dollar 220.860 Europe Hongkong Dollar 39.992 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd British Pound 0.380616 0.390616 Philippine Peso 0.006030 0.006330 Bangladesh Taka 3.751 Czech Korune 0.004990 0.016990 Sierra Leone 0.000037 0.000043 Philippine Peso 6.151 Danish Krone 0.041735 0.046735 Singapore Dollar 0.214391 0.224391 Rate for Transfr Selling Rate Thai Baht 8.945 Euro 0. 335219 0.344219 South African Rand 0.017573 0.026073 US Dollar 303.900 Norwegian Krone 0.031780 0.036980 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001606 0.002188 Canadian Dolla 226.475 GCC COUNTRIES Romanian Leu 0.074603 0.074603 Taiwan 0.009950 0.010130 Saudi Riyal 81.094 Sterling Pound 388.545 Slovakia 0.009092 0.019092 Thai Baht 0.008585 0.009135 Qatari Riyal 83.523 Euro 342.155 Swedish Krona 0.030830 0.035830 Omani Riyal 789.761 Swiss Frank 295.810 Arab Bahraini Dinar 807.490 Swiss Franc 0.307471 0.318471 Bahrain Dinar 806.040 Bahraini Dinar 0.799606 0.808106 UAE Dirham 82.795 Turkish Lira 0.080681 0.090981 UAE Dirhams 83.135 Egyptian Pound 0.013995 0.019903 ARAB COUNTRIES Qatari Riyals 84.355 Australasia Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000085 Egyptian Pound - Cash 19.300 Saudi Riyals 81.935 Australian Dollar 0.220634 0.232634 Iraqi Dinar 0.000190 0.000250 Jordanian Dinar 0.423764 0.432764 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 16.726 Jordanian Dinar 428.545 New Zealand Dollar 0.211843 0.221843 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.221 Egyptian Pound 16.923 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Tunisian Dinar 126.360 Lebanese Pound 0.000151 0.00251 Sri Lankan Rupees 1.988 America Jordanian Dinar 428.630 Moroccan Dirhams 0.019785 0.043785 Indian Rupees 4.725 Canadian Dollar 0.220545 0.229545 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 2.026 Nigerian Naira 0.000334 0.000969 Syrian Lira 2.167 Pakistani Rupees 2.898 Georgina Lari 0.137257 0.137415 Omani Riyal 0.783839 0.789519 Morocco Dirham 31.656 Bangladesh Taka 3.772 US Dollars 0.300150 0.304550 Qatar Riyal 0.079280 0.084220 Philippines Pesso 6.140 US Dollars Mint 0.300650 0.304550 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Cyprus pound 167.715 Saudi Riyal 0.080047 0.081347 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 US Dollar Transfer 303.900 Japanese Yen 3.755 Asia Euro 344.320 Tunisian Dinar 0.121479 0.129479 Syrian Pound 2.420 Bangladesh Taka 0.003381 0.003969 Sterling Pound 393.700 Turkish Lira 0.080681 0.090981 Nepalese Rupees 3.962 Chinese Yuan 0.043304 0.046804 Canadian dollar 226.690 UAE Dirhams 0.081411 0.083111 Malaysian Ringgit 72.080 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036934 0.039684 Turkish lira 87.130 Yemeni Riyal 0.000989 0.001069 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 BUSINESS Hungary passes tough anti-foreign NGO law

BUDAPEST: Hungary’s parliament imize” non-governmental organizations foreign-funded NGOs, in particular those approved yesterday a crackdown on for- (NGOs). Two prominent NGOs said they receiving support from Hungarian-born eign-backed civil society groups despite would boycott the law and take the mat- emigre Soros. an international outcry, in a move seen ter to the constitutional court and the as targeting US billionaire George Soros. European Court of Human Rights in Fake-civil groups A new law, passed by 130 votes to 44, Strasbourg. “One of the fundamental pil- Government-backed billboard and will force groups receiving more than lars of a strong democracy is a strong media campaigns have targeted the phi- 24,000 euros ($26,000) annually in over- independent civil society,” said Marta lanthropist, while a questionnaire sent to seas funding to register as a “foreign-sup- Pardavi of the Hungarian Helsinki households nationwide urged support for ported organization”, or risk closure for Committee (HHC), a local refugee rights the registration of foreign-funded NGOs. non-compliance. group. The Hungarian Civil Liberties In January, a senior official from Orban’s They will also have to use the label “for- Union also said it would “not comply with ruling Fidesz party said the “Soros empire’s eign-supported organization” on their the requirements of an unlawful law”. fake-civil groups” should be “swept out” of websites, press releases and other publi- Amnesty International meanwhile Hungary for attacking the government’s cations. The government of populist pre- called the measures “a vicious and calcu- anti-immigration line. Earlier this month mier Viktor Orban says the measures are lated assault” on civil groups critical of the EU’s rights watchdog Venice aimed at improving transparency as well Orban’s hardline policies. The organiza- Commission said the NGO bill was “exces- as fighting money laundering and terror- tion said the move resembled legislation sive” despite pursuing “legitimate aims”, ism funding. But the European introduced in Russia in 2012 requiring and urged the government to consult BUDAPEST: Austrian President Alexander van der Bellen (L) and his Hungarian Commission and the United Nations have foreign NGOs to register as “foreign local civil society groups. It also accused counterpart Janos Ader (R) listen to their national anthems in front of the presi- condemned the law, with experts saying agents”. The Hungarian law marks a hard- “some state authorities” of staging a “viru- dential palace of Buda Castle yesterday prior to their official meeting. — AFP it could “discriminate against and delegit- ening of frontlines in Orban’s battle with lent” campaign against NGOs. — AFP

Moody’s downgrades top S African banks, insurers JOHANNESBURG: Credit ratings agency ed Fitch and Standard and Poor’s, the other Moody’s yesterday said it had downgraded two main global ratings agencies, to down- a slew of top South African banks, insurers grade South Africa’s sovereign debt to junk and local authorities prompted by fears over status. It also led to outrage amongst the the country’s worsening financial position. It opposition and part of Zuma’s own ruling slashed the creditworthiness of the five African National Congress (ANC), with tens largest banks-FirstRand, Standard, Nedbank, of thousands taking to the streets to Investec and Absa-to just one notch above demand the president’s resignation. junk status, all with a negative outlook. Moody’s currently has South African gov- “The primary driver for today’s rating ernment debt rated at Baa3 — one notch downgrades is the challenging operating above junk status-with a negative outlook. environment in South Africa, characterized On Tuesday Moody’s also announced that it by a pronounced economic slowdown, had downgraded the creditworthiness of 10 and weakening institutional strength,” South African regional governments and Moody’s said in a statement. Insurers Old local authorities by one notch-including the Mutual, MMI Group, Guardrisk and cities of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Standard Insurance were all downgraded Town. “While (the cities) have comparatively one notch to either Baa2 or Baa3 — the rich economic bases, sound financials and lowest investment-grade level. “Recent good governance practices, Moody’s political developments suggest a weaken- expects that reduced growth prospects in ing of the country’s institutional strength the medium-term will put pressure on their which casts doubt over the strength and overall financial performances,” it said. sustainability of the recovery in growth,” Moody’s announcements will pile pres- said the statement. sure on Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba who Moody’s was likely referring to President is facing criticism after the economy entered Jacob Zuma’s shock purge of critical minis- recession-its first since 2009 — with an ters in March, including respected finance unexpected 0.7 percent contraction in the minister Pravin Gordhan. The move prompt- first quarter. — AFP

SKOPJE: This file photo taken on March 20, 2017 in Skopje shows People holding banners against US financier-cum-philan- France will likely miss thropist George Soros during a demonstration against a deal between Social Democrats and the Albanian Democratic Union for 2017 deficit target: PM Integration, for a law making Albanian the second official language. — AFP PARIS: French Prime Minister Edouard sions slide, and then it is up to others to Lauded to loathed: Who’s Philippe said yesterday there is a very manage this”. strong possibility that France will miss its Philippe said France’s government audi- deficit target for this year because of the tors, the Cour des Comptes, is to submit a previous government’s lax spending. report in July which will determine afraid of George Soros? France has been aiming to bring the “whether we are on a path to 2.8 percent deficit down to 2.8 percent of gross or whether we are higher”. In the event of domestic product (GDP) this year, below an overshoot, Philippe said there “would The world has a new puppetmaster the 3.0 percent threshold required by be a whole series of measures” to get the eurozone rules. But Philippe told francein- deficit back on track, but he added that VIENNA: From his New York home, US financier- responsible for every political upheaval,” said former benefactor of using “predator” NGOs to fo radio there was “an extremely high risk” there were no plans for a formal corrective cum-philanthropist George Soros has manufac- German political analyst Ulf Brunnbauer. “He flood Europe with Muslim refugees and create a that the government would fail to do so. mini-budget later in the year. tured Europe’s migration crisis, backed a coup in makes an excellent scapegoat for increasingly “transnational empire”. “Before becoming prime minister, I had The EU Commission already warned Macedonia and sponsored protests in Hungary. authoritarian regimes as someone who’s invest- my doubts. Now that I am prime minister, I Paris last month over its deficit, saying it At least that’s what his detractors say, and there ed a lot of money into philanthropy and repre- ‘Gift to my enemies’ have even greater doubts,” he said. believed France’s 2017 shortfall would are many. sents capitalism.” Born in Budapest in 1930, Soros survived both Philippe blamed budget-busting spending come in at above 3.0 percent of GDP. From the Kremlin via Skopje to the power cor- Another Hungarian law hastily approved in the Nazi and Soviet occupation before eventually by the previous government under Yesterday, EU Economics Commissioner ridors of Washington, the Hungarian-born Jewish April threatens to shut down the Soros-founded moving to the US where he made his fortune Francois Hollande in the run-up to this Pierre Moscovici called on Macron to emigre is the favourite bete noire of nationalists Central European University (CEU) in Budapest. from hedge funds. His dealings were not without year’s presidential election which swept ensure the deficit comes back into line as around the globe. Listed by Forbes magazine as Across Hungary, government-backed billboards controversy. In 1992, the Wall Street trader Emmanuel Macron into the presidency. He of this year. “France must restore its credi- the world’s 29th richest man, Soros and his Open have popped up showing the magnate as a pup- became known as “the man who broke the bank said it “can quite easily happen” in the bility as far as reforms are concerned,” Society Foundations (OSF) stand accused of polit- peteer pulling the strings of an opposition politi- of England” when his aggressive speculation months before an election that a govern- Moscovici told the German media group ical meddling by seeking to push a liberal, multi- cian, a motif associated with anti-Semitic con- against the sterling sent it crashing out of the ment “lets a certain amount of tough deci- Funke in an interview. — AFP cultural agenda. Nations like Poland that once spiracy theories. European exchange mechanism. He also has a bestowed the 86-year-old with their highest civil- “His (religious) background is irrelevant to the 2002 conviction of insider trading in France, a ver- ian honours are now calling him an enemy of the central issue, which is that an increasing number dict he described as a “gift to my enemies”. state who wants to destroy their sovereignty. of governments... see Soros’s networks as a threat Marked by his experience of totalitarian regimes- The attacks have been particularly virulent in to democracy,” Zoltan Kovacs, the spokesman of ”I have seen the damage done when societies his birth country Hungary, which on Tuesday is populist premier Viktor Orban, wrote in a recent succumb to the fear of the ‘other’,” he wrote in the set to pass a controversial anti-NGO bill seen as blog post entitled “Myths and facts about New York Times in March-Soros created his foun- directly targeting the OSF. “To go on what you Hungary and George Soros”. Orban-a one-time dation in 1984 to help countries move from com- read and hear these days, Soros seems to be recipient of a Soros scholarship-has accused his munism toward democracy. — AFP

Tablet revolt: Guinea prez’s rant ignites student debate

CONAKRY: Footage of Guinea’s President in the United States and France, calling his Alpha Conde, 79, berating and mocking audience “unworthy” of the devices, before students has morphed into a national threatening to cancel the policy entirely. debate about his conduct, forcing the gov- “You can jump up and down and shout ernment to repeat a promise to provide until tomorrow, it doesn’t bother me,” university-goers with tablet computers. Conde declares, jabbing with his finger, his Tensions began at a student forum held on voice raised in anger. Tensions were so LE HAVRE: French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe casts his electronic vote at a June 1, when Conde ranted at a booing high at the People’s Palace in Conakry that polling station during the first round of legislative elections on June 11. — AFP section of young attendees, accusing them the vice-rector of Lansana Conte of throwing a tantrum for jumping up and University, an establishment close to the down while chanting “Tablets! Tablets!” capital, had a heart attack on the spot and China moves step closer to Conde made a “one student, one tablet” died. A rector from another university was campaign promise during a 2015 presiden- hospitalized following the incident. tial election that has yet to materialize, resuming US beef imports with youth groups saying it embodies ‘Family argument’ WASHINGTON: China is a step closer to any beef imported from the US must another failure by his administration to Although tensions have calmed and allowing imports of US beef for the first have been born, raised and slaughtered address holes in education financing. But the government has attempted to make time in almost 14 years. The United States in the United States or imported from what has really incensed Guineans is a amends, students are not letting go easily. and China have agreed on final details of a Canada or Mexico and raised and widely shared video showing Conde’s reac- “Nobody is asking him anything because deal to allow the imports, the Agriculture slaughtered here. It could also be tion to the students’ cries, with both sides now we have understood. He has not kept Department said Monday. The agreement imported from Canada or Mexico and accusing the other of disrespect in a socie- a promise since he took power,” said is one part of a bilateral agreement slaughtered in the US. ty where deference to elders is expected. Mamadou Soumare, a medical student. On reached following President Donald The beef also has to be derived from “I would like to offer my excuses for the Facebook, commenters such as Guiramba Trump’s meeting with Chinese President cattle less than 30 months old and trace- rude behaviour of these people, who are Koikoi Kalivogui told Conde “a promise is a Xi Jinping in April. China imposed a ban able to the US birth farm or first place of not representative of Guinea’s youth,” debt,” urging him to “have the courage to on American beef in 2003 after a case of residence or port of entry. All of the pre- Conde says to attending international dig- pay for the tablets.” Others noted a lack of mad-cow disease, a ban that remained in cautions lessen the risk of bovine spongi- nitaries, before turning his wrath on the respect on the students’ side, while place despite extensive efforts by the form encephalopathy, or mad cow dis- students. “I was a student before you, we nonetheless calling on Conde to do as he Bush and Obama administrations to get it ease. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, made Africa proud of us. You are like baby had promised. The presidency announced removed. Before the ban, the United Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Treasury goats. ‘Tablets’, tablets’,” he mocks. “Like last week that Conde had gathered his States was China’s largest supplier of Secretary Steven Mnuchin and US Trade baby goats!” higher education minister and advisors for imported beef. Representative Robert Lighthizer all The expression he uses-”sauter comme a comprehensive meeting on the distribu- In exchange for China opening its praised the deal in a statement. “I have no un cabri” (jump like a baby goat) is a nod to tion of tablets to universities. Advisor borders to US beef, the US would allow doubt that as soon as the Chinese people French president Charles De Gaulle, who Tibou Kamara described a “family argu- the sale of cooked Chinese poultry. get a taste of American beef, they’ll want used it to mean someone making a big ment” that had got out of hand, describing USDA said that China is requiring that more of it,” Perdue said. —AP fuss for nothing. Conde goes to say the Conde as a “father” who had failed to hand tablets are “not a right”, even for students over a “present”. — AFP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 BUSINESS Pound tumbles as election sows uncertainty

HONG KONG: The pound wallowed near two- for June 19. Now she must rely on the support election. The currency’s “near-term direction suffered another slump as Apple and including Apple and Netflix Monday suf- month lows yesterday, unable to sustain a of Northern Ireland’s Democratic Unionist will continue to be driven by the post-election Amazon took a beating, with analysts fered another bruising session in New strong recovery from last week’s shock elec- Party. Greg McKenna, chief market strategist fallout, but the prospects look increasingly wondering whether the selling is down York which analysts attributed to profit- tion that saw Britain’s ruling Conservatives at AxiTrader, said: “The political uncertainty is gloomy as the possibility of another Tory lead- to profit-taking or the start of a broad taking. “The upward trend in earnings for lose their majority, throwing the country into unhelpful given Brexit talks are about to begin ership vacuum enters the picture at precisely retreat after all US indices hit records US technology companies isn’t likely to uncertainty, days before key Brexit talks. While in the next week.” the wrong time for the UK,” said Stephen last week. change, but with those stocks in for a Prime Minister Theresa May looked to counter He added that “sterling came under Innes, senior trader at OANDA. Broader markets fared slightly better speedy correction, it’s hard to buy their anger within her party by apologising and renewed pressure as a result” of the newly after Monday’s steep losses. Tokyo fin- Japanese peers,” said Shoichi Arisawa, an telling MPs “I got us into this mess, and I’m formed government’s refusal to soften its Fed, Sessions in view ished marginally lower but Shanghai equity analyst with Iwai Cosmo going to get us out”, there are doubts about approach to the discussions. “Why the gov- On equity markets, technology firms failed closed up 0.4 percent and Hong Kong Securities. “But the downside will remain her future in Downing Street. ernment wouldn’t use the election for a reset I to bounce back from the previous day’s sell- gained 0.3 percent in the afternoon. supported as well, with stocks of compa- May had called the vote in a bid to just don’t know.” In Asian trade the pound off that was sparked by a rout in the sector Sydney gained 1.7 percent and Seoul nies with a domestic business focus that strengthen her majority, and her bargaining bought $1.2690, up from New York trade but on Wall Street Friday while Samsung was flat jumped 0.7 percent, while Wellington have solid earnings like retailers and power, before going into the EU exit talks set well off levels around $1.29 seen before the in Seoul. The losses came after the Nasdaq and Taipei were also up. Traders are now builders continually on the rise,” he told awaiting the end of the Federal Reserve’s Bloomberg News. latest policy meeting. While another Investors were also cautious ahead of interest rate hike is widely expected, the the start of a US Federal Reserve meeting bank’s post-meeting statement will be later yesterday. The Nikkei 225 index scanned for some forward guidance and edged down 0.05 percent, or 9.83 points, clues about future movements. to close at 19,898.75. But the broader Also, US Attorney General Jeff Topix index of all first-section issues rose Sessions is due to testify yesterday to 0.12 percent, or 1.96 points, to 1,593.51. the Senate Intelligence Committee as it SoftBank lost 1.62 percent to 9,078 yen probes Russian meddling in last year’s following a report it has reached an election and Moscow’s links to under- agreement to merge its Indian e-com- fire President Donald Trump. Attention merce unit Snapdeal with rival Flipkart, has focused on Sessions as reports swirl with Softbank to own 20 percent of the that he may have had more meetings merged firm. with Russian officials during the cam- Japan Display, which supplies screens paign last year than the two he has for Apple’s iPhone, dropped 2.39 percent informed authorities of. In early to 204 yen while electronics giant European trade London, Frankfurt and Kyocera slipped 0.78 percent to 6,344 Paris each rose 0.3 percent. yen. Automakers lost ground, with Nissan falling 0.18 percent to 1,075 yen while Wall Street tech sell-off Toyota ticked down 0.10 percent to 5,874 Elsewhere, Japan’s benchmark Nikkei yen. Banking giant Mitsubishi UFJ was up index slipped yesterday in response to 0.09 percent at 734 yen. The dollar Wall Street’s technology sell-off, with fetched 110.03 yen, against 109.91 in market heavyweight SoftBank falling for New York and 110.28 yen in Tokyo earlier a second day. US technology giants Monday. — Agencies WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 business Immelt alters GE’s business model, not its stock price

NEW YORK: General Electric’s Jeff Immelt is timing of the change in leadership was stepping down after 16 years as CEO of the “unsurprising since the serial underperfor- iconic conglomerate, having succeeded in mance of the stock.” GE said the moves repositioning the company as a producer were part of its succession plan. An of large industrial products but failing to investor who bought $1,000 in GE stock fully revive its lagging stock price. John when Immelt took over would have $1,243 Flannery, president and CEO of the GE’s today, including dividends. The same health care unit, will take over as CEO in amount invested in the S&P 500 index August, the company said Monday. would be worth $3,206 today. GE’s stock Immelt took the helm in 2001 from leg- rose 4.1 percent to $29.10 in afternoon endary CEO Jack Welch. After the financial trading Monday. Immelt spent the second crisis, he sharply pared down the financial half of his time as CEO returning the com- services business that Welsh had built up pany to its less-risky industrial roots. In and went on a spending spree to acquire 2007, GE’s finance arm accounted for about businesses in the power and oil and gas 55 percent of its profits, but its large expo- sectors. During his tenure Immelt also dis- sure to commercial real estate left it vulner- posed of GE’s appliance unit and the NBC able during the financial crisis. television business. The 61-year-old Immelt Immelt instead focused on products will stay on as chairman until his retirement like energy-generating windmills, gas tur- from the position at the end of the year, bines power plants, online medical records with the 55-year-old Flannery stepping and energy saving equipment for electrical into the role after that. grids as a source of new profits. GE made GE traces its roots to 1878, when inven- big acquisitions under Immelt to bring new tor Thomas Edison formed the Edison business and technologies to GE. The com- Electric Light Co. in New York City after hav- pany acquired the power business of ing opened his famous laboratory in Menlo France’s Alstom three years ago. GE on Park, New Jersey. The next year, Edison Monday received US antitrust approval to WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump, accompanied by, from left, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Defense invented the first successful incandescent combine its oil and gas operations with Secretary Jim Mattis, smile during a Cabinet meeting, Monday, June 12, 2017, in the Cabinet Room of the White House. — AP electric lamp. Recent reports say GE is con- Baker Hughes, potentially creating an oil sidering selling the lighting business, services powerhouse with more than $32 which could fetch about $500 million. billion in revenue. The approval is condi- Attorneys Gen hopes to force While GE credits Immelt with improving its tioned on GE selling its Water and Process financial performance and its focus, GE’s Technologies business. stock price has trailed the market with him GE also remains one of the world’s Trump financial disclosures as CEO. The stock was worth a bit less than biggest producers of jet engines. Flannery $40 on Immelt’s first day in 2001, with the is a longtime General Electric executive, US in the middle of a recession. The stock starting his career at GE Capital in 1987. He Purpose of currying special favor briefly rose above $40 in 2007, just ahead became president and CEO of the compa- of the economic crisis. It sank as low as ny’s equity unit in 2002 and eventually $6.66 in March 2009 in the depth of the cri- joined the health care division in 2014, WASHINGTON: The attorneys general of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in process in the court case. Frosh said the president sis, and closed at $27.94 a share Friday. focusing on advanced technologies. In Maryland and the District of Columbia hope a lit- Washington filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern has discussed some of his business dealings on addition, Chief Financial Officer Jeff tle-known clause in the Constitution will force District of New York. Since then, a restaurant the campaign trail, noting Trump’s mention that a President Donald Trump to separate himself from group and two individuals in the hotel industry state-owned Chinese bank has office space in Large exposure Bornstein was named vice chair and Kieran Analyst Robert McCarthy at Stifel Murphy was named president and CEO of his businesses and release his tax returns and oth- have joined as plaintiffs. Trump Tower in New York. Nicolaus wrote in a note to clients that the GE Healthcare to succeed Flannery. —AP er financial information, contending in a lawsuit The Justice Department said Friday that those he is corruptible to foreign governments who plaintiffs did not suffer in any way and had no Emoluments clause make payments to his businesses from around standing to sue, and that it was unconstitutional “He bragged about that on the campaign trail,” the world. The emoluments clause bars the presi- to sue the president in his official capacity. White Frosh said. “I don’t think he’s giving it them for dent and other government employees from House press secretary Sean Spicer noted that free, and there are many sources that have given accepting foreign gifts and payments without response at a White House briefing Monday. “This us information about the payments that he has congressional approval. lawsuit today is just another iteration of the case received. We’ll have a lot more after we get dis- A lawsuit filed in federal court in Maryland on that was filed by that group CREW, filed actually covery.” Racine noted that the emoluments clause Monday alleges he is violating the Constitution by by the same lawyers,” Spicer said. “So it’s not hard hasn’t been tested by the Supreme Court or fed- accepting payments from foreign governments. to conclude that partisan politics may be one of eral circuit courts. “And we think that our case will “We’re concerned that foreign governments are the motivations behind the suit.” But the two also further develop the record and the law for coming to the Trump businesses with a single pur- Democratic attorneys general say their lawsuit is the court, which obviously will ultimately be the pose of currying special favor from the president unique, because they are suing as sovereign enti- final arbiter, a necessary cog in the check-and-bal- of the United States so that their interest can get a ties on behalf of residents of Maryland and ance wheel,” Racine said. higher priority than the interest of the American Washington, DC They say the Trump Hotel in the The lawsuit also focuses on the fact that people,” District of Columbia Attorney General Karl nation’s capital affects business in the Trump chose to retain ownership of his company Racine said at a news conference announcing the Washington area. when he became president. Trump said he was lawsuit. “If that’s not a harm to every American citi- Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh also shifting assets into a trust managed by his sons zen and every resident in the District of Columbia underscored that the framers of Constitution to eliminate potential conflicts of interest. If a and Maryland, I don’t know what is.” included the clause for good reason. “If the Justice federal judge allows the case to proceed, Racine Department is right, the emoluments clause has and Frosh say they will demand copies of Trump’s Unique status no meaning whatsoever,” Frosh said. “The presi- personal tax returns in court to gauge the extent Trump’s unique status as both president and dent can stand over here with his president of the of his foreign business dealings. “Mr Trump is the financial beneficiary of his global business United States hat and he’s not allowed to take unique in American history in violating the emol- empire raised questions about the emoluments payments, but he takes a step over here and puts uments clause,” Frosh said. “There is no other Cuba hardliners, US defenders clause of the Constitution even before he took on his businessman hat they can funnel as much president whose domestic and foreign invest- office. Trump and his attorneys argue the clause money to him as they want. You got no emolu- ments, the entanglements, have been so bound does not cover fair-value transactions, such as ments clause there, and it’s absolutely clear that up with our policy and our interests, and he is the battle over new Trump policy hotel room payments and real estate sales. The the framers of the Constitution intended that to only president who has refused to disclose the attorneys general aren’t the first to sue Trump protect us from presidential corruption.” The two extent of his holdings and interests, so, yes, it will Cuba’s best friends in the US down to a backroom political deal between HAVANA: over emoluments. Just days after Trump’s inaugu- attorneys general also hope the case will build a be a subject of our lawsuit. We will be seeking used to be a smattering of Washington pol- the president and Cuban-American mem- ration in January, the government watchdog record against Trump through the discovery that information.”— AP icy wonks and leftists who sent donated bers of Congress.”The most prominent fig- school buses and computers to the com- ures still seeking a reversal in the opening munist-led island. Five months into the are Sen. Marco Rubio and Rep. Mario Diaz- Trump administration, Cuba has a new set Balart, both Cuban-Americans. The Trump of American defenders: a coalition of high- government wants to maintain good rela- Japan court clears way for tech firms, farming interests, travel compa- tions with both Rubio, who sits on the nies and young Cuban-Americans thrown Senate committee investigating Trump’s into action by the looming announcement relations with Russia, and Diaz-Balart, a of a new Cuba policy. member of the powerful House nuclear reactor restarts On the opposite side, hard-line mem- Appropriations Committee. bers of Miami’s Cuban exile community Laverty is one of the most prominent who suddenly have a direct line into the figures in the new pro-Cuba lobby, which TOKYO: A Japanese court yesterday gave the wary of nuclear power after the disaster at Japan’s nuclear energy agency said five employ- White House through Cuban-American has been furiously tweeting and writing green light to switch on two more nuclear reac- Fukushima spewed radiation over a large area and ees were exposed to dangerously high levels of Republican members of Congress and the letters to the White House in a last-minute tors despite heavy public opposition, in the lat- forced tens of thousands to leave their homes, radiation after a bag containing plutonium broke administration. President Donald Trump rush to sell the Trump administration on est victory for the government’s pro-atomic with some unlikely to ever return. Last week, apart during a routine inspection. —AFP planned to announce the new policy on the benefits of the friendly relations estab- push. Local residents lost their bid for an injunc- Friday in Miami but had not yet decided all lished by President Barack Obama on Dec tion to block the re-firing of the No 3 and No 4 the details, according to a White House offi- 17, 2014. A particular focus is saving reactors at the Genkai nuclear plant in south- cial who spoke on condition of anonymity Obama’s easing of US travel to Cuba, which western Japan on safety grounds, according to a in order to discuss internal deliberations. tripled the number of American travelers to district court official. The site, operated by The US Embassy in Havana will remain the island and pumped tens of millions of Kyushu Electric Power, lies some 100 kilometers open, but Americans can expect actions by dollars into the island’s private hospitality north of Kumamoto prefecture which was hit by the departments of State, Treasury and sector.”Thousands of Americans are visiting a deadly earthquake last year. Homeland Security to ban US trade with Cuba and fueling the fastest growth in its Residents unsuccessfully argued that the util- any Cuban entity linked to the military. private sector since 1959,” CubaOne, a ity had not taken enough measures to prevent Also planned: A reduction in the num- group of young pro-engagement Cuban- an accident linked to a natural disaster. The ber of categories for which Americans do Americans, wrote in an open letter to restarts are not likely to happen for at least sev- not need US government licenses to go to Trump Monday. eral months. The court ruling comes a week after Cuba. The US will demand greater internet After months of public silence, Airbnb another utility switched on a reactor at the access and the release of prisoners and last week released a report on its activities Takahama plant in Fukui prefecture, some 350 return of American fugitives in Cuba. in Cuba, which have put $40 million into kilometers west of Tokyo, bringing the number President Barack Obama’s repeal of the the hands of private bed-and-breakfast of running reactors in Japan to five. Dozens special Cuban immigration privileges owners since the online lodging giant more in the country still remain offline. Japan known as wet-foot/dry-foot will not became the first major US company into shut down all of its atomic reactors after a pow- change, the official said.”If this were a tradi- Cuba in the wake of Obama’s declaration of erful earthquake in March 2011 spawned a huge tional policy environment, we’d be having detente. Google, which installed servers on tsunami that led to meltdowns at the Fukushima great success,” said Collin Laverty, head of the island to speed Cuban internet service nuclear plant. one of the biggest Cuba travel companies last year, spoke out for the first time It was the world’s worst nuclear accident since and a consultant for US corporations seek- Monday in favor of maintaining Chernobyl in 1986. Since then, just a handful of ing business in Cuba. relations.”Google has played a formative reactors have come back online due to public role in the first chapter of Cuba’s connectiv- opposition and as legal cases work their way Political deal ity story, but this is just the beginning,” through the courts. However, Prime Minister “We’re certainly winning the debate for Brett Perlmutter, head of strategy and Shinzo Abe has aggressively promoted nuclear public opinion and in foreign policy circles, operations for Google Cuba, said at a con- energy, calling it essential to powering the world’s SAGA: Residents seeking to suspend the operation of No 3 and No 4 reactors of Kyushu Electric but unfortunately it appears that it’ll come ference in Miami on Monday. — AP third-largest economy. Much of the public remains Power’s Genkai nuclear plant hold a banner while heading to the Saga District Court. — AFP Thai junta vows to force through China railway

BANGKOK: Thailand’s junta chief said yesterday he set back by a Thai law limiting the number of for- used the law on a raft of issues, from sacking offi- province of Nakhon Ratchasima, is alone worth would invoke his ‘absolute powers’ to clear hurdles eign nationals who can work as engineers and cials to raiding a controversial temple, to deputiz- 179 billion baht .The vast majority of technical holding up a multi-billion-dollar deal with China to architects on mega-projects inside the kingdom. ing all soldiers with policing powers. His govern- expertise will come from Chinese engineers, some- build a high-speed railway. The two countries, who Yesterday Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha said ment defends it as a needed tool that bypasses thing that may disgruntle Thai construction firms are increasingly close friends, have agreed to lay he would force through the deal, if necessary using Thailand’s sclerotic bureaucracy. But critics say it is that stand to lose out. Under junta rule Bangkok the track that will ultimately cut through the Laos’ Article 44 a self-granted law dubbed an absolute a vivid illustration of the junta’s unaccountable has become more comfortable with Beijing, border to Thailand’s south. Beijing’s big plan is to power by critics. powers. Prayut’s comments will be a comfort to splurging billions on Chinese arms and welcoming link the southern Chinese city of Kunming by rail “The government must solve the problem oth- Beijing. The rail deal with China is one of the investment from the regional superpower. with Singapore and work has already begun on the erwise it will hit snags or legal issues and it will biggest foreign investment projects in Thailand in Washington’s relationship with Bangkok cooled line in Laos. look like the government can’t achieve anything,” years and is part of China’s huge regional infra- under the previous administration of Barack But the deal with Thailand has been beset by he told reporters. Article 44 is a controversial pow- structure drive. Obama over the junta’s rights abuses. But Donald delays, including a tussle over the initial loan terms er Prayut granted himself to make any executive The first stage of the Thai railway, a high-speed Trump has signaled relations may be rebooted by from Beijing. More recently construction has been decision in the name of national security. He has line between Bangkok and the north eastern inviting Prayut to visit the White House. —AFP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 business NBK offers Saudi Riyal Prepaid Card free during Ramadan

KUWAIT: NBK recognizes and responds to the lifestyle needs of all its customers. Now during the month of Ramadan, customers traveling to Saudi Arabia can get a free prepaid card in Saudi Riyals. “NBK meets customers where they need banking - either locally, regionally or interna- tionally,” explained Mohammed Al Othman, Deputy General Manager- Consumer Banking Group, National Bank of Kuwait. “When you travel for Hajj or Umrah, we want to help make the trip as smooth as possible, providing a Saudi Riyal Prepaid Card helps our customers meet all their needs while also con- trolling their spending.” use the Saudi Riyals Prepaid Card when shopping online, at Mohammed NBK Saudi Riyals Prepaid Al Othman POS machines and at ATMs in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to Jazeera Airways celebrates Card protects customers against withdraw cash. Important features of the card include: future conversion rate fluctua- l Purchase protection Gergian with its passengers tions, offering the same safety and security as all NBK l Fraud protection cards. Customers will also receive valuable offers and pro- l SMS service motions. You can apply for your NBK Saudi Riyals Prepaid l NBK Secure Shopping Card through NBK Online Banking, NBK Call Center or l KUWAIT: JAZEERA Airways, the first private airline in Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Rohit Ramachandran, Avoid currency fluctuations Kuwait and the Middle East, celebrated the annual Chief Executive Officer at Jazeera Airways said: “Girgean is through our branch network, and your card will be deliv- l Convenience of spending in chosen currency, without Ramadan children’s tradition by distributing beautifully a special occasion for us and we feel privileged to pass on a ered to your door step, free of charge. The issuance fee will the hassle of currency conversions designed Girgian boxes to children and families at Jazeera this rich heritage to our passengers and their children who be waived during the holy month of Ramadan. NBK l Better budgetary control Airway’s Check-in counters and the baggage zone. will carry on this wonderful Kuwaiti tradition in the future. account holders will have flexible and convenient access to l More convenient and safer than cash As part of a well-established Kuwaiti tradition, young Small acts of kindness and generosity are a powerful passengers en-route to their different destinations shared reminder of the positive impact we can all have in society. in the joy of candy and sweets’ giveaways aimed at spread- On behalf of Jazeera Airways, we wish Kuwait and its peo- ing smiles all around during the most special time of the ple a blessed Ramadan.” As a catalyst for positive change in Trump has plan if debt year. Additionally, as part of the airline’s yearly observance Kuwait, Jazeera Airways’ annual Girgean celebrations of the Holy month of Ramadan, key areas such as Gate B comes as part of its continued Corporate Social and the baggage zone have been decorated to deliver Responsibility strategy that aims to engage with and con- limit not up by August messages portraying a spirit of giving and kindness. tribute to all segments of the Kuwaiti society.

WASHINGTON: The Trump adminis- Shortly before Mnuchin testified, a from Democrats, who are demanding tration has a backup plan to keep the Washington think tank projected that that any debt limit hike be “clean” of Burgan Bank offers free Eideya delivery government from defaulting on its despite the slowdown in revenues, the GOP add-ons. Lawmakers are trying to financial obligations even if Congress government will have enough cash to deal with the debt limit while at the service to premier banking customers misses an August deadline to raise pay its bills until October or November. same time a House panel is beginning the debt limit, Treasury Secretary The Bipartisan Policy Center says that work on spending bills to fund the KUWAIT: Burgan Bank announced receive new bank notes before the Eid concierge services starting 9 am until Steven Mnuchin told a congressional revenue results from this month’s quar- government. yesterday the free ‘Eideya’ delivery holidays at their offices or homes, 4 pm, by calling 22317755 or emailing panel Monday. terly tax payments could clarify the Also Monday, Republicans control- service provided to Premier Banking avoiding the hassle of waiting in the [email protected] to Mnuchin had previously set an deadline, but for now it forecasts that ling the House took the first steps to customers in collaboration with branches at that time of the year. request the amount of Eid money August deadline for the federal govern- Mnuchin has sufficient maneuvering approve President Donald Trump’s big ‘Qiblah’ concierge services. This service To request this service, Premier required and state their address in ment to avoid a catastrophic default. room to keep the government solvent budget increase for veterans’ health enables Premier Banking customers to customers can simply contact Qiblah order for the concierge messenger to Mnuchin said he still prefers that into the fall. The policy center says a big care and the Pentagon. A House deliver it accordingly. The service is Congress increase the government’s Oct. 2 payment into the military retire- Appropriations panel got the process available from June 14th till June 21st authority to borrow before lawmakers ment trust fund could trigger default. under way with voice vote approval of 2017. The Eideya delivery service is leave on a five-week break in August. As of Friday, the Treasury had a cash an $89 billion spending bill for the part of the bank’s wide range of valu- However, he said he is “comfortable” balance of $148 billion, down from Department of Veterans Affairs and able privileges and benefits that are that the Treasury Department can meet $204 billion a month ago. The national Pentagon construction projects. The especially designated for its Premier the government’s financial obligations debt is nearly $20 trillion, including bill would give the VA a 5 percent customers. through the start of September. Private money owed to several federal pro- budget hike for the budget year Additionally, the bank’s collabora- analysts say Mnuchin probably has grams. Raising the debt limit has beginning in October as the agency tion with ‘Qiblah’ concierge services even greater leeway. become a politically-charged vote in works to improve wait times and cor- stems from its commitment to sup- Congress, even though economists rect other problems. port its customers’ every day require- Slowdown in revenues believe that an unprecedented default ments with an unmatched personal- “If for whatever reason Congress would catastrophic for the economy. Reviving parochial projects ized experience. Burgan Bank’s does not act before August we do Republicans, who control Congress and The Defense Department, mean- Premier customers can avail instant have back up plans that we can fund the White House, are struggling to while, would receive a $2 billion, 10 concierge services from a selected list the government,” Mnuchin said with- come up with a strategy to raise the percent increase for military construc- of more than 20 services such as travel out elaborating. “So I want to make it debt limit, with some GOP members tion projects at bases in both the US bookings, airport transfers, visa assis- clear that that is not the timeframe demanding spending cuts in exchange and abroad. The measure also funds tance, party planning, valet parkers that would create a serious problem.” for their vote. $439 million worth of projects such as and others. The free concierge servic- The federal government technically hit But since Republicans have many barracks and target ranges not request- es were introduced as part of the the debt limit in March, but Treasury members who simply refuse to vote ed by the administration, which could bank’s wide range of valuable privi- has been using accounting steps for a debt increase, GOP leaders such open Republicans up to charges they leges and benefits that are especially known as “extraordinary measures” to as Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin are reviving parochial projects known designated for its Premier customers. avoid a default. may have no choice but to seek help as earmarks. —AP

Casino industry ramps effort to repeal sports betting ban

LAS VEGAS: The casino industry’s largest lobbying group in the US is ramping up its efforts to repeal a 25-year-old federal law that bans sports betting in most states. The American Gaming Association on Monday announced the creation of a coalition involv- ing organizations of attorneys general and police, pol- icymakers and others to advocate for the repeal of the ban that the industry says has fueled the $150 billion illegal sports betting market. “The American Gaming Association believes a per- fect storm is aligning and now is the time to repeal a failing law,” Geoff Freeman, the association’s president and CEO, said during the announcement. He cited a recent survey commissioned by the organization that found there is strong bipartisan support nationwide for legal sports betting, as well as Oxford Economics research showing that legalizing sports betting in the US could support more than 150,000 jobs. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 bans sports betting in every state except Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon. Legal sports gambling is allowed in those states because they had approved some form of wagering before the federal law went into effect. Congress gave New Jersey a one- time opportunity to become the fifth state before the ban was enacted, but the state failed to pass a sports betting law in the required time window. The state has asked the US Supreme Court to hear arguments in favor of legalizing sports betting and expects a deci- sion by the end of the month. The survey commissioned by the association found that 57 percent of independents, 58 of Republicans and 52 of Democrats support ending the ban. Freeman said the group has hosted sessions with members of Congress to show the technology from Hyundai catching-up with subcompact SUV European companies specialized in data integrity that that wasn’t available when the ban was enacted. “They are tracking ... how much is being bet, who is SEOUL: Hyundai Motor Co is playing catch- ing sector in the auto market. The sector ups, including Creta, a subcompact SUV tar- Before the summer of next year, it will betting it, where the bet is taking place, what is the up in the fast-growing sport utility vehicle snowballed by nearly 10 times from 2010 to geting emerging markets. Tucson and Santa launch a fuel-cell SUV and electric Kona. betting history of these individuals, what games are market with its first subcompact SUV tar- 2016, Hyundai said, citing data from IHS Fe cater to buyers seeking medium and Sales of Kona would be crucial to help they betting on, who’s playing in those games, who’s geting Europe and North America. The Automotive. This year, the segment’s annual large SUVs. The company plans to expand counter Hyundai’s eroding auto sales this coaching those games, who are the trainers in those South Korean automaker said Tuesday that growth rate is expected to be 19 percent. its SUV models by 2020 by adding mini SUV year in the US and China, where a backlash games, who are the officials in those games,” Freeman the Kona will go on sale this month in South Hyundai Motor has only four SUV line- and executive vehicles, among others. against South Korea’s deployment of a US said. “All of that input goes into these algorithms that Korea before it launches in Europe and anti-missile system hurt Korean businesses. they built so that it is very easy for them to identify North America. Hyundai Motor has long In the domestic market, Hyundai has a chal- when there is an anomaly.” focused on the Sonata and other sedans, lenge of having to restore its image follow- The association has also met with the players which helped build it a reputation in the ing massive government-led recalls. Kona, unions of the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB. The executive West as a maker of cars that are excellent equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline or diesel directors of those unions have met multiple times value. But in recent years, most growth in engine, will compete with Ssangyong over the past several months to discuss the challenges global auto markets, especially in China, has Motor’s Tivoli, the leader in the subcompact that legalized sports betting could create for players, come from SUVs. Hyundai’s deteriorating SUV sector in South Korea. Showing the including potentially being put under pressure for any profitability and missing of its annual sales importance of the Kona to the South fixing of matches. targets in recent years were attributed to its Korean automaker, Chung Eui Sun, NFL Players Association spokesman George Atallah failure to respond to rising global demand Hyundai’s vice chairman and son of its said the executive directors have discussed the issue for SUVs. chairman, took the stage Tuesday at a of legalized sports betting multiple times, with the Hyundai arrived late but now plans to launching event north of Seoul. Named conversations centering on “protecting the integrity of increase its bet on SUVs. With the launch of after a district in Hawaii, the Kona continues our respective sports.” —AP the Kona, Hyundai is seeking a slice of the Hyundai’s tradition of naming a vehicle subcompact SUV market - the fastest-grow- after a particular region. —AP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 technology

Centrify enables organizations to stop breaches that start on Mac endpoints

DUBAI: Centrify, the leader in securing hybrid Control Shared Passwords machines as well as those management solution - your end users can install enterprises through the power of identity services, It is common for organizations to maintain on the corporate network. and manage applications without local admin today announced enhancements to the Centrify administrative accounts on their users’ Macs and Authorized admins can rights. Identity Platform that deliver local administrator use the same admin password across all Macs. This check out the admin pass- Munki’s open-source toolset provides a rich password management for Macs and comprehen- introduces risk, because inevitably the password is word, and the rotation of Apple App Store like end user experience, where sive Mac application management and software shared with an end user who needs to install appli- the admin password is the specific apps an organization approves are distribution via turnkey integration with the Munki cations on their Mac, or is known by admins who automated. Who accessed available for seamless installation. Centrify simpli- open source solution. These new capabilities leave the company. These users and ex-employees what and when is fully fies the Munki setup, management, security and enable Mac administrators to solve critical chal- now have full administrative privilege across every audited across Mac ongoing support to make it easier for organiza- lenges by implementing best practices for control- Mac. This leaves an organization highly susceptible administrative access and tions to deploy and operate their own enterprise ling privileged access on Macs while at the same to breaches that start on Mac endpoints, and all other endpoints and Mac app store. Additionally, Centrify’s cloud- time simplifying management of Mac endpoints. demands a solution that enables organizations to infrastructure and avail- Bill Mann based app repository extends Munki to remote “Our latest security capabilities extend shared minimize and centrally control access to Mac able through comprehen- Mac users regardless of their location or status on account password management (SAPM) from administrative accounts, just like they do for sive reporting. the corporate network. servers, network devices, Windows and Linux end- Windows and Linux endpoints, servers and net- Controlling access to shared administrative points to Mac, while at the same time simplifying work devices. Eliminate Admin Access passwords for endpoints and eliminating the Mac application management with Munki support The Centrify Identity Platform closes this gap in End users cannot install software without local need for local admin rights to install software on that enables users to install applications without security with local administrator password manage- admin rights. However, local admin rights mean Macs are established PIM best practices. A recent knowing the admin password,” said Bill Mann, chief ment (LAPM) for Mac that enables administrators to your end users-or anyone who compromises their Forrester study found a direct correlation product officer at Centrify. “The Centrify Identity generate a unique administrator password for each accounts-are privileged users on their Mac. This between the number of PIM best practices an Platform secures Mac endpoints as well as Windows Mac. With Centrify, organizations are eliminating increases your attack surface and makes end- organization has implemented and the number of and Linux with our market leading Identity-as-a- the sharing of a single Mac admin password across points an effective target for malware and rogue security incidents it encounters. The Centrify Service (IDaaS) and privileged identity manage- an entire organization. The solution can be enabled applications. By seamlessly combining the Identity Platform now makes it easy for organiza- ment (PIM) solutions that help stop breaches across for all Macs enrolled in the cloud-based manage- Centrify Identity Platform with the open source tions to extend best practices to Mac in order to endpoints, infrastructure and apps.” ment service, ensuring support for remote Munki solution - the leading Mac app and patch stop breaches that start on endpoints.

Connecting the cold economy to tackle issues of warming world

By Dermot O’Connell, Vice President, How does it work? OEM and IOT solutions, Dell EMC Have a look at IMS Evolves’ cutting EMEA edge Cold Chain Logistics process as an example. The food retail industry admits he accumulation of greenhouse that supply chain complexity has meant gases (GHGs) in our atmosphere it is easier and safer to chill all food to has led to noticeable changes in the lowest temperature required (by Tnatural systems. Ocean acidification and meat) meaning an extensive annual increasing ocean temperatures are dam- over-chill. However, by integrating the aging marine ecosystems. Each year, at data from the existing machine sensors least eight million tons of plastics find with supply chain and merchandise sys- their way into the ocean - which is tems as well as the fridge control sys- equivalent to dumping the contents of tems, each machine can be automatical- one binlorry into the ocean every ly set at the temperature to suit the spe- minute.Further still, the increased fre- cific contents, removing instances of quency and severity of extreme weather over-chilling. The ‘always on’ nature of events are putting many more at greater this approach ensures that even risk, irrespective of location. We all know throughout the course of normal busi- that to limit the likelihood of disruptive ness when products are moved around and potentially catastrophic change to the store, the right temperature for the our climate and ecosystems, public and right product is sustained automatically. private institutions across the planet will The result is that IMS is able to signifi- need to develop and implement mitiga- cantly reduce excess energy consump- tion and adaptation strategies. As tion, minimise food waste and improve atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases customer experience. In addition, with rise, however, it’s become widely accept- smart cold chains, a higher quality prod- LOS ANGELES: Nintendo co-Representative Director and Creative Fellow Shigeru Miyamoto, left, and Ubisoft Co-founder and CEO Yves Guillemot ed that mitigating adverse impacts will uct can be achieved, resulting in a better talk about ‘Mario Rabbids Kingdom Battle’ on stage during the Ubisoft E3 conference at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, California. become more challenging, complex and customer experience. In manufacturing costly. This bleak outlook needs to serve and processing environments, consis- as a call to action for governments, busi- tency of both ingredients quantities and ‘Assassin’s Creed’ heading nesses and the general public alike to do environmental factors can be regulated their part to enact change. and the available data from each stage of the process united to ensure the high- Where to start? est quality, most profitable end product for Egypt to reignite gamers Let’s look with the retail sector. Did every time. you know that the retail sector, includ- Take dairy products for example, LOS ANGELES: Ubisoft’s blockbuster “Assassin’s we could.” Players get to climb pyramids, explore “The South Park universe doesn’t take itself ing supermarkets, is one of the largest many of us have come face to face with Creed” video game is heading for Egypt, taking beneath the Sphinx, and learn the origins of the too seriously, so you can be satirical,” game direc- users of F-gas (fluorinated greenhouse an unappetising watery yogurt, but few the serial’s storyline back to an ancient world and brotherhood of assassins, whose deadly fight tor Jason Schroeder told AFP while providing a gas) refrigerants? That’s something that are aware this a familiar bi-product of overhauling play to reignite its top franchise. The with the order of Templars is at the core of the peek at the game, which also releases on we can change and without a complex over-chilling squeezing the product, French video game star took last year off after franchise that segues from one generation of October 17. “You can take the notion of some- solution. We’ve all heard the hype about that can be eliminated bya smarter cold hitting the market with annual releases and master assassin to another. “Fans will have a front thing like a strip club and turn it on its head.” the Internet of Things and how cool it is chain. The possibilities for IoT are end- boasting overall sales of more than 110 million row seat to the formation of the brotherhood,” Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto joined that your fridge can tell you when you’re less but it’s important that to think copies of the game since it first launched in 2007. Laferriere promised. Ubisoft hopes Origins will Ubisoft chief executive Yves Guillemot on stage out of milk. Now, what if the millions of beyond the obvious smart cities appli- A cooling in fan interest appeared to prompt a energize long-time fans and win new players at at a press event to unveil an innovative alliance refrigerated trains, trucks and storage cations and think about how you can step back, and an investment by Ubisoft to revi- the start of the story in a game that has become with Nintendo to unite its zany “Rabbids” with centres used in the cold chain process change your business and your product talize it was unveiled at a press event Monday fodder for books and films. Versions of Origins beloved “Mario” in a game. “I have been excited by supermarkets to transport and store for the better - for the customer and ahead of the opening of the Electronic tailored for play on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and to see what kind of humor the Rabbids could food could tell you when they needed even for the world. Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles. Work on Windows-powered personal computers will be bring to the Mario world,” Miyamoto said to be on to keep food fresh? Surprise! Connecting the cold chain process is “Assassin’s Creed: Origins” began nearly four released on October 27. through an interpreter. They can. only one example of how businesses can years ago, and included overhauling the combat IoT sensors can be used to monitor make a positive impact on their cus- system and building artificial intelligence into all South Park and Mario Getting into heads the refrigeration units needed to trans- tomers’ experience and on the environ- of the non-player characters, according to game “Assassin’s Creed” was among a diverse line- The game maker continued its tradition of port and store food around the world to ment.It’s important to look at all options producer Julien Laferriere. up Ubisoft is showing off this week at E3. Ubisoft embracing hardware innovations, showing off keep it fresh. The sensors can track the to reduce the effect that businesses can Every character has a “life” of its own, tending offerings spanned genres, from action shooters games crafted for Nintendo’s hot-selling and temperature in units, lowering the level have on the physical world - alternative to work, worship, family, meals and other daily such as “Far Cry 5,” to sports, dance, piracy, a tough to find Switch consoles as well as the of energy or units needed in conjunction shipping methods can be deployed, sus- routines that players can take into account while space monkey, and virtual reality. A “Fractured budding virtual reality gear market. “We have with how cold the food needs to be and tainable packaging can be used, compo- on missions, an early glimpse at the game But Whole” based on an irreverent South Park been experimenting with virtual reality for sev- how much food is currently stored. They nents can be recycled. While we can’t fix showed. Players are also free to explore a virtual animated television series opens with well- eral year,” said Ubisoft partnerships vice presi- can also track how long food has been global warming with just a few sensors, version of all of Egypt in 49 BC, during the rise of known children characters obsessed with being dent Chris Early. “Though it is not taking off as out of refrigeration and how quickly it as more organisations realise the capa- Cleopatra to the throne. “It is a part of world his- super heroes sneaking into a strip club to solve fast as any of us would like, it is providing needs to be put back in before it spoils bilities of IoT, it’s at least one small step tory we have wanted to do for a long time,” the mystery of a missing cat. Their weapons some great learning about what it means for and creates unnecessary waste. for man in the pursuit of change. Laferriere said. “We wanted to be as authentic as include flatulence and firecrackers. having fun.” — AFP Sony fires at Xbox with arsenal of big PS4 games

LOS ANGELES: Sony on Monday showed ing a rapid-fire presentation of video trail- sole for powering ultra-high definition 4K off rich, action-packed new PlayStation 4 ers. The line-up included the first graphics, and the entire line of consoles video games, some for virtual reality, as it “Uncharted” game to feature a heroine in syncs with PlayStation VR gear. Sony has defended its crown as the top-selling new- place of the “Nathan Drake” hero, a “God of sold more than 60.4 million PS4 consoles generation console. The company focused War” sequel with a mighty father-son since they hit the market in November of on blockbuster games and intriguing new theme, and a pulse-pounding title starring 2013, the company revealed on Monday. titles for PS4 at a press event on the eve of “Spiderman” of Marvel Comics fame. The the opening of the major Electronic event also unveiled a version of the hit fan- More virtual reality Entertainment Expo here. There was no tasy role-playing game “Skyrim” tailored for A PlayStation ‘ecosystem’ that includes mention of the Xbox One X console play on PlayStation virtual reality gear. online game communities, content and unveiled a day earlier by rival Microsoft in a “It’s all about gaming,” Layden said. services had more than 70 million monthly heightened challenge to PS4. “Every year, we continue to push the enve- active users as of the end of March, accord- “PlayStation is home to all the biggest lope of imagination, storytelling, and tech- ing to Sony. “The PS4 platform is in its and best game franchises in the world,” nology.” PlayStation has had success in prime, with the industry’s best lineup of Sony Interactive Entertainment worldwide keeping the focus on gamers and what exclusive and partner titles slated to LOS ANGELES: Shawn Layden, President studios chairman Shawn Layden said dur- they like. PS4 models include a “Pro” con- release this year, taking full advantage of of Sony Interactive Entertainment the power of the PS4 system,” Sony America, speaks on stage. Interactive Entertainment global chief executive Andrew House said. ations to as broad an audience as possible. PlayStation plans to expand services, Game play on 4K screens, whether on software, and virtual reality offerings, he televisions or personal computer monitors, said. Microsoft unveiled its Xbox One X on is expected to be among themes at E3 this Sunday, billing it as the most powerful week. Sony PlayStation 4 has dominated video console ever made, and escalating a the latest generation of consoles, out- battle with market king PlayStation. The selling Xbox One two to one, according to $499 product was built with the muscle for industry trackers. PlayStation has also seamless play on ultra-high definition 4K become the prime driver of revenue and televisions and will be available worldwide profit at the Japan-based entertainment on November 7, according to Xbox team giant Sony, executives say. leader Phil Spencer. Meanwhile, PS 4 Pro is Nintendo’s recently launched Switch priced at $399 and other models of the has been a winner, with fans snapping up console can be bought for less. the console and a “Legend of Zelda” game Microsoft also showed off coming that has become a must-play title for fans. games, an array tailored for exclusive play Demand for Switch consoles has been so on Xbox One consoles, but it remained to intense since its launch early this year that be seen if there is enough unique content the consoles are tough to find in stores to get lots of people to buy the higher- and Nintendo has reportedly doubled priced hardware. Independent publishers production. Switch launched at the start LOS ANGELES: Game enthusiasts and industry personnel attend the Sony tend to make blockbuster titles available of March and some 2.74 million were sold Playstation E3 showcase before the start of the conference at the Shrine Auditorium for play on Xbox, PlayStation and personal bythe end of that month, according to in Los Angeles, California. — AFP photos computer hardware in an effort to sell cre- Nintendo. —AFP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Angola backs down on total abortion ban

LUAND: Angola’s ruling party has proposed bill under heavy police sur- would have punished anyone who had percent of Angolans are Christian. women”. Angola, which has been bowed to public criticism of a proposed veillance in the capital Luanda. “We an abortion or performed one with up The harshest version of the law was ruled by Dos Santos since 1979, is law banning all abortions and instead have decided to listen to the pressure to 10 years in jail with exceptions in cas- sharply criticized by President Jose updating a penal code which dates accepted a revised bill allowing termi- from society,” the president of the ruling es of rape or risk to the mother’s health. Eduardo dos Santos’ daughter Isabel, back to 1886 the Portuguese colonial nations in cases of rape or maternal MPLA party’s parliamentary caucus, But the draft code was strengthened reported to be the richest woman in era. “When the life of the mother is at health risk. The about-turn follows a Virgilio de Fontes Pereira, told reporters after lobbying by church leaders led to Africa. Isabel dos Santos used her stake. when there is a rape, we can rare rally in March when roughly 200 on Monday. The initial draft penal code the removal of the limited exemptions, Instagram social media account to imagine lifting the law’s ban,” said De demonstrators protested against the brought before parliament in February triggering a fierce public debate. Ninety denounce the “criminalization of Fontes Pereira.—AFP Eavesdropping on fish sex

PARIS: Scientists unveiled yesterday a have been hard to determine, there is evi- unique new method for counting stocks of dence that landed fish are getting smaller threatened fish eavesdropping on their and smaller, a sign of overfishing, the love calls when the fish gather in massive researchers said, which happens when fish mating throngs. Using underwater micro- of a species are caught faster than they can phones and mathematical models, reproduce. researchers from the US and Mexico were able to estimate population numbers for Herrings, sardines, sturgeons the Gulf corvina, a popular eating fish from Accurate population numbers are essen- Mexico’s Gulf of California. tial for setting sustainable fishing limits. But it About two million corvina gather every is nearly impossible to get a headcount for spring for a frenzied breeding session in a fish, often flitting about in deep or murky shallow estuary of the Colorado River Delta, waters, and many estimates are based on bringing the entire adult population to an unreliable fisheries data. The new technique area less than one percent of its usual involves a mathematical model for determin- home range. When the males start calling ing stock density from the levels of sound to attract mates, the sound is “deafening”, the fish generate while spawning. Using this said researchers from the University of method, the team calculated there were over Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI). At 1.5 million corvina at the height of their about 192 decibels, the sound could dam- annual “spawning aggregation”, a collective age human eardrums on land. “It’s louder mass of more than 2,000 tones. than a rock concert,” study co-author Brad Their technique is inexpensive and not Erisman said in a statement issued by the intrusive, the researchers said, and can be UTMSI. “It’s louder than standing less than a adapted for other species that form similar meter from a chainsaw.” spawning groups and produce mating Unfortunately for the corvinas, the calls sounds. These include herrings, sardines, announce their presence to fishermen who cod and haddock, croakers, groupers, sea gather for a seasonal frenzy of their own: bass, snappers, catfish and sturgeons. It netting more than a million fish in about may be particularly useful for determining three weeks. But now the sound may be the remaining stock of endangered totoa- used to save the fish, which are listed as ba, a large fish also from the Gulf of “vulnerable” on the International Union for California, whose swim bladder is believed Conservation of Nature’s Red List of threat- in China to hold medicinal powers, the ened species. Though population numbers team said.—AFP AFGHANISTAN : A view over the lake from a birdwatching tower at the Kol-e Hashmat Khan wetland in the outskirts of Kabul. A rare Afghan Australian nurse denies running marsh that was once a royal hunting ground is set to come under the official protection of the UN environment agency, with the mai of saving hundreds of migratory bird species. —AFP illegal surrogacy in Cambodia PHNOM PENH: An Australian nurse denied lawed commercial surrogacy and moved War-torn Kabul becomes running an illegal surrogacy service in to Cambodia, which at the time lacked reg- Cambodia when her trial began Yesterday, ulations on the industry. Two surrogate the first case of its kind in the country that mothers testified in court on Yesterday to recently banned the practice. Tammy receiving $10,000 from Tammy. a protected site for birds Davis-Charles, 49, was arrested in late Surrogate mother Hor Vanday said she November with two Cambodians and gave birth to a baby girl who was whisked accused of recruiting foreign couples and away for a foreign couple. “I did not see the Cambodian surrogate mothers to a clinic face of the baby, but I know her father took UN designates wetlands as conservation site in the capital Phnom Penh. her away,” she recalled. She added that she The detentions came just two weeks did not miss the child as she knew it was KABUL: A rare Afghan marsh that was once a falling water levels. NGO Afghanistan Youths to convince them,” says the organization’s direc- after Cambodia moved to outlaw the sur- never hers. Thailand for years hosted royal hunting ground is set to come under the Greens was ordered by UNEP to organize waste tor Mohammad Shafaq. “I told them what the rogacy industry, which critics say exploits Southeast Asia’s most thriving unregulated official protection of the UN environment collection and educate the villagers who will Holy Koran has said,” adds Fazli. “Birds are a com- poor women, after a similar ban in neigh- surrogacy industry that was particularly agency, with the aim of saving hundreds of continue to live on the shores. “At the beginning munity just like yours... they need a habitat and boring Thailand pushed the business popular with same-sex couples. But several migratory bird species. On the long, arid jour- people didn’t accept us but finally we managed they need food.”—AFP across its borders. The trio were also scandals in 2014 including tussles over ney to the Caucasus and Siberia, across the charged with faking documents to obtain custody spurred the government to bar Hindu Kush massif, the Kol-e-Hashmat Khan birth certificates for the newborns. In court foreigners from using Thai surrogates. wetlands outside Kabul provide sanctuary for on Yesterday Davis-Charles said she played Surrogacy consultants say Laos, a poor the thousands of storks, egrets, pelicans and no part in arranging surrogacies. Instead and opaque communist country to the flamingos that head north every spring from Costa Rica says no she said her role was limited to providing north, has since emerged as the next southern India. medical care to a total of 23 surrogate frontier for the “rent a womb” business in But after 40 years of conflict and neglect, their mothers who carried babies for 18 the wake of the recent bans by habitat is being threatened by the growth in new to animal cruelty Australian and five American couples. Cambodia, Thailand, Nepal and India. A homes, irrigation systems, rubbish and global “They find the clinic” by themselves, she number of Laos-linked surrogacy agen- warming which is gradually changing the local said of the would-be foreign parents, cies and IVF clinics have cropped up in environment. Now the UN has designated the SAN JOSE: Thousands of animal lovers packed a The parade marshal for the day was Duke, a adding that she was also not involved in recent months, according to consultancy wetlands a conservation site, the Afghan gov- major San Jose avenue Sunday, many with pups dog that became well known in local media after the recruitment of Cambodian surrogates. group Families Through Surrogacy. A Thai ernment said on Sunday, as it also looks to help in tow, to celebrate Costa Rica’s new animal cru- someone hacked him with a machete and left The nurse said she received $8,000 from man was recently arrested for smuggling preserve the water supply of the capital. “There elty law and its fines and jail time for violators. him for dead. In another grim case, local each couple while received around frozen sperm between the two countries. are probably more than 300 or 400 species that Bikers, animal rights activists and many animal teenagers seriously injured a toucan, pummeling $10,000. All of the infants were born and Some offer to carry out the embryo trans- pass through, though without an accurate count lovers were on hand dancing to traditional tunes its bill with stones. “We have just seen too many moved out of Cambodia before her arrest, fer in Laos and then provide pregnancy it is hard to be sure,” says Andrew Scanlon, head to support the law, signed this month by the horrific acts against animals. So it’s time that we she added. Davis-Charles, who is from care for the surrogate in Thailand, a of the United Nations Environment Program Central American nation’s President Luis have a law to ensure that they are punished,” said Melbourne, told the court she left Thailand wealthier country with vastly superior (UNEP) in Afghanistan. They are migratory birds Guillermo Solis. “We have got to demand that Antonio Pacheco, who turned up with his more than a year ago after Bangkok out- medical facilities.—AFP and “tourists” who stay for a very short period of there be no more impunity; that whoever abus- sweater-wearing schnauzer Tony in tow. time to find food, headds. At daybreak, the marsh es an animal be punished,” Solis said, raising Cockfighting and dog fights also have been out- comes alive with the morning chatter of the birds cheers from the crowd. lawed, and can earn criminals jail time.—AFP hungry for breakfast. Binoculars in hand, Scanlon Malaysia seizes pangolin scales stands atop a tower that dominates the landscape. In the distance is the silhouette of Bala Hissar, an KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian customs offi- leadingly touted as having medicinal proper- ancient fortress that defended the city for cen- cers have seized almost 300 kilograms of ties. Malaysia last month made its largest turies. Opposite, mud houses and sturdier pangolin scales being smuggled through the haul of such scales, 712 kilograms estimated dwellings made from bricks seem to spring up at main airport, officials said yesterday. The to be worth more than nine million ringgit. random, hurrily erected during wars for tides of 288-kilogram haul was found at Kuala Pangolins are indigenous to the jungles refugees and displaced people. Lumpur International Airport last Friday in 12 of Indonesia, parts of Malaysia and areas of It was once a favored place for royals to go boxes labeled as oyster shells on the waybill. southern Thailand, and their meat is con- hunting, though Scanlon stresses any activity The scales worth around 3.69 million ringgit sidered a delicacy in China. Four pangolin would have been carried out “in a sustainable arrived from Ghana on a Turkish Airlines species can also be found in Africa. way”. But with the invasion of the Soviet army in flight, the customs department said in a Increasingly they are smuggled to 1979 and the succession of conflicts afterwards, statement. Southeast Asia from Africa, but the majori- including the civil war in the early 1990s, Authorities are investigating. The scales of ty goes to China. Soaring demand has seen Afghans were preoccupied by their own survival the endangered pangolin, the world’s most an estimated one million pangolins and the environment suffered. War saw the heavily trafficked mammal, are highly prized plucked from Asian and African forests marshes more or less abandoned until 2005, in Vietnam and China where they are mis- over the past decade.—AFP Scanlon explains.

Everybody is guilty Scanlon says that land grabbing was com- mon in the chaos of the 90s as Afghans fought for survival. The marshes became a sanctuary, providing safe haven and water. As Afghanistan’s population swelled with the return of refugees SAN JOSE: A woman takes a selfie with a dog as she joins thousands of people celebrating after the Taliban were toppled in 2001, he says in the streets of San Jose.—AFP the situation became a “tragedy of the com- mons”. The phrase refers to an economic theory in which individuals act in their own self-interest towards a shared resource but against the com- mon good. WHO: Maldives, Bhutan “Everyone is taking a piece to survive but all together this is a tragedy, it’s no one’s fault but everybody is guilty,” he says. Taking advantage of have eliminated measles the chaos, factional and party leaders built hous- es on the water’s edge. According to the UN, NEW DELHI : The World Health Organization cials and partners at all levels, has helped about 50 hectares of wild land were taken over, said yesterday that Bhutan and the Maldives achieve this landmark success,” Singh said. WHO which the Afghan environmental protection have eliminated measles, becoming the first has set a deadline of 2020 for the elimination of agency, created in 2005, is now trying to recover. countries in their region to stop the highly con- measles in the 11 countries that it categorizes as “Some politicians are reluctant” to act, but tagious disease. The Maldives has not reported the Southeast Asian region.The region has avert- attitudes are changing, said Muhibullah Fazli, any case of indigenous measles since 2009, and ed an estimated 620,000 measles deaths in 2016 the agency’s biodiversity expert. The most Bhutan since 2012, WHO said. “WHO commends alone following vaccinations carried out by the important thing, he says, is to educate local resi- them for this momentous public health achieve- 11 member countries, a WHO statement said. dents. “The problem is the people taking their ment,” said Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional Last year, North and South America were cattle to graze or cutting the reed, local people director of WHO Southeast Asia. Bhutan and the declared free of measles, but last month an out- also pour their garbage in the river, they don’t Maldives launched immunization programs break was reported in Minnesota. Measles, a viral know the scientific value of this area,” he said. around 40 years ago with a strategy of mass vac- disease which is spread through coughing and Together with Qargha reservoir, Kol-e-Hashmat cination of high-risk populations. sneezing, can lead to pneumonia, brain inflam- MALAYSIA : The photo shows seized pangolin scales during a press conference at the Khan, a marsh some eight meters deep at its “The strongest political commitment, along- mation, hospitalization or death, mainly among Malaysian Customs Complex in Sepang. Malaysian customs officers have seized almost centre, is one of Kabul’s two water sources. side the concerted efforts of health workers, offi- children.—AP 300 kilograms of pangolin scales being smuggled through the main airport.—AFP But experts are already worried about its WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 HEALTH & SCIENCE Fancy names may boost healthy dining

CHICAGO: Researchers tried a big serving last fall. Lunchtime vegetable offerings of food psychology and a dollop of trickery were given different labels on different to get diners to eat their vegetables. And it days. For example, on one day diners could worked. Veggies given names like “zesty choose “dynamite chili and tangy lime-sea- ginger-turmeric sweet potatoes” and “twist- soned beets. ed citrus-glazed carrots” were more popu- “On other days the same item was lar than those prepared exactly the same labeled “lighter-choice beets with no way but with plainer, more healthful- added sugar,” “high antioxidant beets,” or sounding labels. Diners more often said “no simply “beets.”Almost one-third of the near- thanks” when the food had labels like “low- ly 28,000 diners chose a vegetable offering fat,” “reduced-sodium” or “sugar-free.” during the study. The tasty-sounding offer- More diners chose the fancy-named ing was the most popular, selected by items, and selected larger portions of them about 220 diners on average on days it was too in the experiment last fall at a Stanford offered, compared with about 175 diners University cafeteria. “While it may seem like who chose the simple-label vegetable. The a good idea to emphasize the healthiness healthy-sounding labels were the least of vegetables, doing so may actually back- popular. Diners also served themselves big- fire,” said lead author Bradley Turnwald, a ger portions of the tasty-sounding vegeta- graduate student in psychology. Other bles than of the other choices. research has shown that people tend to Turnwald emphasized that “there was think of healthful sounding food as less no deception”, all labels accurately tasty, so the aim was to make it sound as described the vegetables, although diners good as more indulgent, fattening fare. weren’t told that the different-sounding Researchers from Stanford’s psychology choices were the exact same item. The department tested the idea as a way to results illustrate “the interesting advantage improve eating habits and make a dent in to indulgent labeling,” he said. Dr. Stephen the growing obesity epidemic. “This novel, Cook, a University of Rochester childhood CALIFORNIA: The water in Bridalveil Creek rushes through boulders at Yosemite National Park, California. —AP low-cost intervention could easily be obesity researcher, called the study encour- implemented in cafeterias, restaurants, and aging and said some high school cafeterias consumer products to increase selection of have also tried different labels to influence healthier options,” they said. The results healthy eating. “It shouldn’t be a surprise to Rivers turn dangerous as were published Monday JAMA Internal us because marketing people have been Medicine. The study was done over 46 days doing this for years,” Cook said.—AP days warm, snow thaws

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK: Massive waterfalls Power of water traveling,” said Chris Crowley, emergency man- in Yosemite National Park and rivers raging in And six people have died in the rugged Tule ager for the county where Park City is located. In mountains throughout the western United River south of Yosemite. Some drowned, but Reno, Nevada, rising temperatures that have States are thundering with greater force than others suffered injuries suggesting their bodies accelerated snowpack melting prompted offi- they have for years and proving deadly as warm were beaten to death by the river water slam- cials to erect a sign next to the Truckee River weather melts the deepest mountain snowpack ming them against the riverbed. “The force of warning people to stay away from it. in recent memory. Record snowfall on towering that water pounds people into rocks and sends In Idaho, snowpack at double normal levels Western peaks this winter virtually eliminated them over waterfalls,” said Eric LaPrice, a US have prompted warnings from officials that California’s five-year drought and it is now melt- Forest Service district ranger at the Giant densely populated areas near the Boise River ing rapidly. Sequoia National Monument in central could flood. And in Wyoming, officials have But it has contributed to at least 14 river California. At the Kern River in central California, placed sandbags and flood barriers to protect deaths and prompted officials to close sections officials last month updated a sign warning that homes and public infrastructure from rivers and of rivers popular with swimmers, rafters and fish- that 280 people have died in it since 1968. The streams swollen with the snowmelt. On his first ing enthusiasts. In Utah and Wyoming, some sign is already outdated, with four more drown- trip to Yosemite, cartoonist Andy Runton, 42, rivers gorged by heavy winter snowfall have over ings since then. And in northern Utah, a 4-year- steered clear of the turbulent Merced River. He flown their banks, and rivers in Utah are expect- old girl playing at the side of the Provo River fell took a selfie at a safe distance from a grassy ed to remain dangerously swollen with icy from a boulder into the water last month. Her meadow with Yosemite Falls far behind him. mountain runoff for several more weeks. The mother and a man who was nearby jumped in to Within a few hours of entering the park, Runton NEW YORK: The photo shows roasted carrot hummus with crudite and pita chips at sheer beauty of the rivers is their draw and repre- try to save the girl. All three drowned, illustrating said the sweeping vistas and raging waterfalls the Institute of Culinary Education.—AP sents a big danger to people who decide to beat how quickly one tragedy can multiply. “As little had left a lifelong impression. “You can see the the heat by swimming or rafting with little as six inches of water can actually sweep an power of the water,” Runton said. “You can feel it. awareness of the risks posed by the raging water. adult away at the rate of speed that the water is Nature doesn’t slow down.”—AP It’s in the genes: Songbirds This year’s velocity and force of the Merced River that runs through Yosemite Valley is similar really do sing their own tune to a runaway freight train, said Moose Mutlow of the Yosemite Swift Water Rescue Team. “You step PARIS: How do baby birds learn the song distinguish between the chants of their out in front of it, it’s going to take you,” he said. unique to their species? Is it drilled into own species and those of others. “You’re not going to stop that, and that’s what their tiny brains by their parents, or do Researchers have long been trying to people need to get their heads around.” Heavy they hatch pre-programmed? On Monday, unravel whether this ability is inborn or storms this winter covered the central Sierra researchers offered intriguing evidence learnt, the age old Nature Vs Nurture Nevada mountains with snow that remains at that the distinct melodies of at least some debate. For the latest study, Wheatcroft twice its normal level for this time of year. While songbirds are encoded in their genes. and colleague Anna Qvarnstrom swapped officials celebrated an end to drought in much of Flycatchers taken from the nest as eggs, eggs in the nests of two flycatcher California, the snowmelt is so dangerous that then hatched and raised by a foster family species, pied and collared. The infants park rangers fear its impact on the crowded park from a different species, consistently har- were isolated from bird sound until 12 that drew a record five million people last year, bored a lifelong preference for the tell- days after hatching. They were then when four people drowned. tale tune of their genetic kindred, a study played recordings of their biological So far this year, one 50-year-old man is has found. species’ song, and the tune of the parents believed to have drowned at Yosemite after This can only mean one thing: the abil- that raised them. falling into the Merced River from a winding trail. ity to distinguish between songs is innate, The baby birds reacted more to their His body has not been found. One of Yosemite’s not taught, said study co-author David own species’ call, the team found. This was deadliest days was in 2011, when three young Wheatcroft of Uppsala University in measured by how much they chirped to church group visitors were swept to their deaths Sweden. “Song discrimination depends beg for food, how often they looking up at over the 317-foot Vernal Fall. Elsewhere in on genetic inherited factors,” he said. For the nest opening, and how much they California, there have been at least 11 drownings scientists, bird song is a model for study- moved around. “Nestlings discriminate since the snowpack started melting in May. At ing the behavioral, neural and genetic songs... even when they have been raised the San Joaquin River near Fresno, 18-year-old mechanisms that drive vocal learning the completely by parents from the other Neng Thao drowned last month swimming in ability to absorb and reproduce language, species,” concluded Wheatcroft.”This shows the river during a picnic with his family days whether human or animal. that song discrimination does not depend before he was set to graduate as the valedictori- Songbirds are able from an early age to on early experience or learning.” —AFP an of his high school. AT SEA: Dolphins jump in the Mediterranean sea.—AFP WHAT’S ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

—Photos by Salma Abdulla Kuwait celebrates Worldwide Knit in Public Day

By Tammy Asad love of knitting, crocheting, and stitching. The Knit in Public Day slogan of “better living through ore than 40 crafters including those who stitching together” reinforces the well-document- knit, crochet, do needlepoint, cross stitch, ed benefits of crafting such as alleviating stress, embroidery and other needle crafts gath- anxiety and depression. It is also a means of show- Mered to celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public Day ing the general public that crafting can be a com- (WWKIPD). Begun in 2005 by Danielle Landes as a munity activity in a very distinct way. way to bring knitters together in public, the event Children can also benefit from learning needle is celebrated globally. Thanks to the efforts of crafts like knitting or crochet, which have been Kuwait Crafters and organizer Bharti Chopra, demonstrated to help with fine motor skills, Kuwait has officially taken part in WWKIP Day for reducing stress and even learning things like cod- the past three years. The Kuwait version of the ing due to the ability to read patterns. Each Knit in WWKIPD has grown from eight attendees to more Public event is organized by volunteers. Kuwait than three dozen who gathered on Saturday, June Crafters is proud to host this event and was 10, 2017 at the Boulevard shopping mall to cele- pleased this year to welcome local entrepreneurs brate fiber arts and the joy of crafting with others. and small businesses Needles and Yarn, Zephyr, Saturday’s event brought crafters of many Whiskers and Yarn and Made by Mrs Q as prize nationalities and different backgrounds, ages sponsors. Crafters can learn more by searching for from 8 to 60+, together under one roof for the Kuwait Crafters on Facebook or Ravelry.

ABCK celebrates Ramadan with an Iftar he American Business Council Kuwait (ABCK) hosted an Iftar with their members and invited Kuwaitis who had graduated from universities in the United States on TMonday evening at the Millennium Hotel and Convention Centre in Salmiya. Dr Juliet Dinkha, Chair of ABCK, welcomed the members and distinguished guests to the Iftar and talked about the long history of Kuwaitis who were educated in the United States. Alumni from the University of the Pacific, University of Miami, University of Dayton, Arizona State University, University of Chicago and West Virginia University were among the many guests. Representing the alumni from University of the Pacific was Eng. Faisal Al-Ragom, President of the Alumni Club, representing the University of Miami was Dr Anwar Al-Naki, President of the Alumni Club, and Reyadh Alrabeah, and representing University of Dayton was Hussain Al-Barimi, President of the Alumni Club. ABCK also had the pleasure of having as a guest Jassim Qabazard, graduate of the class of 1972 from the University of the Pacific. Eng. Wael Al-Omar, a graduate of the University of the Pacific, Head of Department of Ministry of Justice was also a distinguished guest. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 W H AT ’ S O N

KFH hosts Ramadan Ghabqa for media uwait Finance House (KFH) hosted its annual reporters from different media types; print, broadcast and Manager Group Public Relations and Media, Yousef for their efforts in the media, yet hailed their important Ghabqa for media members as a token of apprecia- digital media, along with a number of public relations Abdullah Al-Ruwaieh, Manager Media and Government role in tracking news and highlighting different issues of Ktion for their efforts and instrumental role in and social media personalities. Relations, Mohammed Al-Fares in addition to the Media interest to the society. He added that KFH attaches great enriching the media and the economy. Also, the Ghabqa The media Ghabqa included a range of exciting and PR team. interest in the media industry that has witnessed a para- comes as part of the bank’s keenness to strengthen com- activities held in an interactive environment. It comes Mohammed Al-Fares welcomed everyone to the digm shift while keeping abreast of technology and elec- munication with media outlets. The media Ghabqa wit- as one of KFH CSR initiatives for the holy month of Ghabqa and congratulated them on the occasion of tronic developments. He said that KFH considers media nessed remarkable attendance of journalists and Ramadan. Present at the event from KFH were Executive Ramadan. He extended the bank’s thanks and gratitude members as partners in success.

Yousef Abdullah Al-Ruwaieh Mohammed Al-Fares WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 TV PROGRAMS

09:20 Sweat Inc. 04:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:10 Walk The Prank 10:10 Bondi Ink. 04:45 Zou 21:35 Disney Mickey Mouse 11:00 Life Or Debt 05:00 Art Attack 21:40 Disney Mickey Mouse 11:50 Bondi Ink. 05:30 Henry Hugglemonster 21:45 Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy 12:40 Disaster Date 05:45 Loopdidoo 22:10 Ultimate Spider-Man 00:30 Tekken: Kazuya's Revenge 13:05 Disaster Date 06:00 Zou 22:35 Boyster 00:20 Ultimate Soldier Challenge 02:15 Dr. No 13:30 Lip Sync Battle 06:15 Calimero 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA 01:10 Alone 04:15 Beyond Redemption 14:20 Bondi Ink. 06:30 Loopdidoo 02:00 Swamp People 06:00 Taken 3 15:10 Catch A Contractor 06:45 Henry Hugglemonster 02:50 Storage Wars 08:00 Tekken: Kazuya's Revenge 16:00 Sweat Inc. 07:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 03:15 American Pickers 09:45 Beyond Redemption 16:55 The Jim Gaffigan Show 07:25 Sofia The First 04:05 Pawn Stars 11:30 Dr. No 17:25 The Jim Gaffigan Show 07:50 The Lion Guard 05:00 Mountain Men 13:30 Taken 3 17:50 Frankenfood 08:15 PJ Masks 00:05 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 06:00 Leepu And Pitbull 15:30 The Tower 18:15 Frankenfood 08:40 Jake And The Never Land Pirates Henry 06:50 Duck Dynasty 17:45 Black Rose 18:39 Impractical Jokers 09:05 Goldie & Bear 00:55 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 07:15 Duck Dynasty 19:15 Die Hard 19:03 Disaster Date 09:35 The Lion Guard Henry 07:40 Counting Cars 21:30 Rivers Nine 19:27 Lip Sync Battle 10:00 Sofia The First 01:50 E! News 08:05 Counting Cars 23:15 Momentum 19:50 Lip Sync Battle 10:30 Mickey And The Roadster Racers 02:50 Celebrity Style Story 08:30 Pawn Stars 20:13 Disaster Date 11:00 Little Mermaid 03:50 Hollywood & Football 08:55 Pawn Stars 20:37 Disaster Date 11:25 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 05:30 Celebrity Style Story 09:20 Storage Wars 21:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 11:50 Sheriff Callie's Wild West 06:00 La Clippers Dance Squad 09:45 Storage Wars 21:30 The President Show 12:15 Gummi Bears 06:55 E! News 10:10 American Pickers 22:00 The Jim Gaffigan Show 12:40 Miles From Tomorrow 07:10 La Clippers Dance Squad 11:00 Pirate Treasure Of The Knights 00:45 America's Cutest Pets 22:25 The Jim Gaffigan Show 13:10 Mickey And The Roadster Racers 08:10 E! News: Daily Pop Templar 01:40 Up Close And Dangerous 22:50 Tosh.0 13:35 PJ Masks 09:10 WAGs 11:50 Duck Dynasty 02:35 Tanked 23:15 Lip Sync Battle 14:00 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 10:05 WAGs 12:15 Duck Dynasty 03:25 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 23:40 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 14:30 The Lion Guard 11:00 WAGs 12:40 Swamp People 04:15 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 14:55 Unbungalievable 12:00 E! News 13:30 Ax Men 05:02 Untamed China With Nigel Marven 15:00 Goldie & Bear 12:15 Second Wives Club 14:20 Mountain Men 05:49 Up Close And Dangerous 15:30 PJ Masks 13:10 Second Wives Club 15:10 Leepu And Pitbull 06:36 Gorilla School 15:55 Sofia The First 14:05 Second Wives Club 16:00 Storage Wars 07:00 Gorilla School 16:20 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 15:00 E! News 16:25 Storage Wars 07:25 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 00:30 Nextworld 16:50 Doc McStuffins 15:15 E! News: Daily Pop 16:50 Pawn Stars 08:15 Up Close And Dangerous 01:20 Guinness World Records 17:15 The Lion Guard 16:15 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 17:15 Pawn Stars 09:10 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena Smashed New Zealand 17:40 Jake And The Never Land Pirates 18:05 Keeping Up With The Kardashians 17:40 Alone 10:05 Tanked 01:45 Guinness World Records 18:05 PJ Masks 19:00 E! News 18:30 Swamp People 11:00 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet Smashed New Zealand 18:35 Mickey And The Roadster Racers 20:00 Botched 19:20 Mountain Men 11:55 America's Cutest Pets 02:10 Guinness World Records 19:05 PJ Masks 21:00 Botched 20:10 American Pickers 12:50 Up Close And Dangerous Smashed UK 19:35 PJ Masks 22:00 Botched 21:00 Detroit Steel 13:45 Untamed China With Nigel Marven 03:00 What Happened Next? 20:05 Goldie & Bear 23:00 E! News 21:50 Forged In Fire 14:40 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 03:25 What Happened Next? 20:35 My Friends Tigger & Pooh 23:15 Hollywood Medium With Tyler 22:40 Britain's Bloodiest Dynasty 15:35 Tanked 03:50 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 21:00 Gummi Bears Henry 23:30 American Pickers 16:30 Untamed China With Nigel Marven 04:40 How It's Made 21:25 Sofia The First 17:25 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 05:05 How It's Made 21:50 Minnie's Bow-Toons 18:20 League Of Monkeys 05:30 Storm Chasers 22:00 Little Mermaid 19:15 Tanked 06:20 Mythbusters 22:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 20:10 Dr. Jeff: Rocky Mountain Vet 07:00 Kenny The Shark 22:55 PJ Masks 22:00 League Of Monkeys 07:25 Bear Grylls Survival School 23:20 Henry Hugglemonster 00:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:15 Places We Go CONCUSSION ON OSN MOVIES HD 22:55 Killer Iq: Lion vs Hyena 07:50 America's Cutest Pets 23:35 The Hive 00:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 00:45 Eat Street 23:50 Untamed China With Nigel Marven 08:40 How It's Made 23:45 Loopdidoo 01:00 Man Fire Food 01:10 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 16:00 Cesar Millan's Dog Nation 09:05 How It's Made 01:30 Man Fire Food 01:40 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 17:00 Russia's Mystery Files 09:30 Nextworld 02:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 02:05 Straight To The Source: Korean 18:00 I Wouldn't Go In There 19:00 Evacuate Earth 10:20 Mythbusters 02:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives Food 00:15 Concussion 11:10 America's Cutest Pets 03:00 Man Fire Food 02:35 Mega Food 20:00 Cesar Millan's Dog Nation 20:50 Russia's Mystery Files 02:15 War Of The Worlds 12:00 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 03:30 Man Fire Food 03:30 Rustic Adventures Italy 04:15 Goosebumps 00:10 Doctors 21:40 I Wouldn't Go In There 12:50 How It's Made 04:00 Chopped 03:55 Miguel's Feasts 06:00 Concussion 00:40 Prime Suspect: Tennison 22:30 Evacuate Earth 13:15 How It's Made 00:20 Street Outlaws 05:00 Guy's Grocery Games 04:25 Miguel's Feasts 08:00 Steve Jobs 01:30 Spooks 23:20 Science Of Stupid 13:40 Storm Chasers 01:10 The Island With Bear Grylls 06:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 04:50 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 10:00 Paddington 02:20 Spooks 23:45 Science Of Stupid 14:30 Kenny The Shark 02:00 The Wheel: Survival Games 06:30 Barefoot Contessa: Back To Basics 05:20 What's For Sale? 11:45 War Of The Worlds 03:15 Doctors 14:55 Bear Grylls Survival School 02:50 Running Wild With Bear Grylls 07:00 The Kitchen 05:45 What's For Sale? 13:45 Concussion 03:45 Doctors 15:20 America's Cutest Pets 03:40 Misfit Garage 08:00 The Pioneer Woman 06:15 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 15:45 The Intern 04:15 Prime Suspect: Tennison 16:10 Nextworld 04:30 Container Wars 08:30 The Pioneer Woman Sea 17:45 Sherlock Holmes 05:05 The Musketeers 17:00 Bondi Vet 05:00 How Do They Do It? 09:00 Siba's Table 07:10 David Rocco's Dolce Vita 20:00 Erin Brockovich 09:30 Siba's Table 07:35 Straight To The Source: Korean 22:15 Inception 10:00 Bake With Anna Olson Food 08:05 Mega Food 00:20 Original Fight Club 11:00 The Kitchen 09:00 Rustic Adventures Italy 01:10 Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER 12:00 The Pioneer Woman 09:25 Miguel's Feasts 02:00 Kings Of The Kill 12:30 The Pioneer Woman 09:55 Miguel's Feasts 02:50 Monster Fish 03:45 Hooked 13:00 Siba's Table 10:20 Andy And Ben Eat Australia 00:30 How Do They Do It? 13:30 Siba's Table 10:50 What's For Sale? 04:40 Savage Kingdom 05:35 Kings Of The Kill 00:55 Food Factory 14:00 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:15 What's For Sale? 01:20 Strangest Weather On Earth 14:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 11:45 Straight To The Source: Korean 06:30 Monster Fish 07:25 Hooked 02:10 NASA's Unexplained Files 15:00 Chopped Food 03:00 Secret Space Escapes 16:00 The Kitchen 12:10 A Is For Apple 08:20 Savage Kingdom 09:15 Battle Of The Swamp Dragons 03:48 Race To Escape 17:00 Bake With Anna Olson 12:40 A Is For Apple 04:36 Strangest Weather On Earth 17:30 Bake With Anna Olson 13:05 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 10:10 Wild Case Files 11:05 Animal Fight Club 4.5 05:24 Mythbusters 18:00 Chopped 13:35 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 06:12 How Do They Do It? 19:00 Guy's Grocery Games 14:00 Straight To The Source: Korean 12:00 Call Of The Baby Beluga 12:55 Planet Carnivore: Perfect Killers 06:36 Food Factory 20:00 Chopped Food 07:00 How Do They Do It? 21:00 Kids BBQ Championship 14:30 Mega Food 13:50 Monster Fish 14:45 Monster Fish 07:26 Race To Escape 22:00 The Big Eat - Middle East 15:25 Miguel's Feasts 08:14 Mythbusters 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins And Dives 15:50 Miguel's Feasts 15:40 Deadly Instincts 16:35 Turf War- Lions And Hippos 09:02 NASA's Unexplained Files 23:00 Chopped 16:20 Island Hunter 09:50 Secret Space Escapes 17:15 What's For Sale? 17:30 Wild 24 18:25 Animal Fight Club 4.5 10:38 Strangest Weather On Earth 17:40 What's For Sale? 11:26 Race To Escape 18:10 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 19:20 Monster Fish 20:10 Deadly Instincts 12:14 Mythbusters Sea 13:02 NASA's Unexplained Files 19:05 Miguel's Feasts 21:00 Turf War- Lions And Hippos 21:50 Wild 24 13:50 Secret Space Escapes 00:10 Pick Me! 19:30 Miguel's Feasts 14:38 Race To Escape 01:00 Emmerdale 20:00 Island Hunter 22:40 Animal Fight Club 4.5 23:30 Call Of The Baby Beluga 15:26 Strangest Weather On Earth 01:30 Coronation Street 21:00 What's For Sale? 16:14 NASA's Unexplained Files 02:00 Coronation Street 21:30 What's For Sale? 17:02 Secret Space Escapes 02:30 Who's Doing The Dishes? 22:00 Charlie Luxton's Homes By The 17:50 How Do They Do It? 03:25 Grantchester Sea 18:15 Food Factory TAKEN 3 ON OSN MOVIES ACTION 04:20 The Trials Of Jimmy Rose 22:55 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 18:40 Mythbusters 05:15 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 23:20 Ariana's Persian Kitchen 00:05 Max Keeble's Big Move 19:30 Invent It Rich 06:00 Father Brown 17:50 Everest: Beyond The Limit 05:30 How Do They Do It? 06:10 Pick Me! 23:50 Mega Food 01:35 Pirates Code: The Adventures Of 20:20 NASA's Unexplained Files 06:50 Doctors 18:40 What Happened Next? 06:00 Gold Divers 07:05 Who's Doing The Dishes? Mickey Matson 21:10 Fire In The Sky 07:50 New Tricks 19:05 What Happened Next? 06:50 Street Outlaws 08:00 Grantchester 03:15 The Wild 22:00 Invent It Rich 08:45 The Musketeers 19:30 How It's Made 07:40 Misfit Garage 09:00 The Trials Of Jimmy Rose 04:40 The Hunchback Of Notre Dame II 22:50 Race To Escape 09:40 Father Brown 19:55 How It's Made 08:30 What On Earth? 10:00 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 05:50 Max Keeble's Big Move 23:40 Mythbusters 10:30 Doctors 20:20 Mythbusters 09:20 Garage Gold 10:55 Pick Me! 07:20 Pirates Code: The Adventures Of 11:35 New Tricks 21:10 Bondi Vet 09:45 How Do They Do It? 11:50 Who's Doing The Dishes? 00:10 Monster Fish Mickey Matson 12:30 The Musketeers 22:00 Everest: Beyond The Limit 10:10 How Do They Do It? 12:45 Emmerdale 01:00 Wicked Tuna: North vs South 09:00 Nancy Drew 13:25 Father Brown 22:50 What Happened Next? 10:35 The Island With Bear Grylls 13:15 Coronation Street 02:00 Air Crash Investigation 10:40 The Wild 14:15 Doctors 23:15 What Happened Next? 11:25 The Wheel: Survival Games 13:45 Coronation Street 03:00 Explorer 15:15 New Tricks 12:05 Home On The Range 23:40 Bear Grylls: Born Survivor 12:15 Life After: Chernobyl 14:15 Pick Me! 04:00 Monster Fish 00:20 Body Bizarre 16:10 The Musketeers 13:30 Frankenweenie 13:05 How Do They Do It? 15:10 Who's Doing The Dishes? 05:00 Showdown Of The Unbeatables 01:10 Monsters Inside Me 17:10 Father Brown 15:00 Gnomeo & Juliet 13:30 Garage Gold 16:00 This Is England '86 06:00 Science Of Stupid 02:00 Cake Boss 18:00 Doctors 16:30 Snow Dogs 13:55 Container Wars 16:55 Safe House 06:30 Science Of Stupid 02:25 Cake Boss 18:30 EastEnders 18:15 Hannah Montana Movie 14:20 Gold Rush 17:50 Masterpiece With Alan Titchmarsh 07:00 Dog Whisperer 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 19:00 New Tricks 20:00 True Heart 15:10 What On Earth? 18:45 Emmerdale 08:00 Evacuate Earth 03:15 Say Yes To The Dress 20:00 Kat & Alfie: Redwater 21:40 Gnomeo & Juliet 00:30 Six Degrees Of Murder 16:00 Gold Divers 19:15 Coronation Street 09:00 Showdown Of The Unbeatables 03:35 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 21:00 Maigret 23:05 Frankenweenie 01:20 Casey Anthony: An American 16:50 Misfit Garage 19:45 Coronation Street 10:00 Cesar Millan's Dog Nation 04:20 Little People, Big World 22:35 The Kettering Incident Murder Mystery 17:40 Street Outlaws 20:10 Who's Doing The Dishes? 11:00 Beast Hunter 04:45 Little People, Big World 23:30 Doctors 02:10 Grave Secrets 18:30 How Do They Do It? 21:00 This Is England '86 12:00 I Wouldn't Go In There 05:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 03:00 Who Killed Jane Doe? 18:55 How Do They Do It? 21:55 Safe House 13:00 Science Of Stupid 06:00 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 03:48 I Almost Got Away With It 19:20 What On Earth? 22:50 Emmerdale 13:30 Science Of Stupid 06:50 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 04:36 California Investigator 20:10 Container Wars 23:15 Coronation Street 14:00 Evacuate Earth 01:15 The To Do List 07:40 Oprah's Lifeclass 05:01 California Investigator 20:35 Container Wars 23:40 Coronation Street 15:00 Dog Whisperer 03:00 The Duff 08:30 Little People, Big World 05:24 Deadly Affairs 21:00 Abandoned Engineering 08:55 Little People, Big World 00:00 It Takes A Killer 04:45 Perfect Match 06:12 Southern Fried Homicide 21:50 Man vs Weird 09:20 Suddenly Rich 00:30 It Takes A Killer 06:15 Ride 07:00 The Locator 22:40 Incredible Engineering Blunders: 10:10 Say Yes To The Dress 01:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder Casebook 08:00 The Duff 07:25 The Locator Fixed 10:35 Say Yes To The Dress 02:00 Bill Cosby: The Women Speak 09:45 Perfect Match 07:50 I Almost Got Away With It 23:30 Misfit Garage 11:00 Cake Boss 03:00 It Takes A Killer 11:30 Ride 08:40 California Investigator 11:25 Cake Boss 03:30 It Takes A Killer 13:15 The Beautician And The Beast 09:05 California Investigator 11:50 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 04:30 It Takes A Killer 15:00 Once Upon A Crime 09:30 Deadly Affairs 12:40 Outdaughtered: Busby Quints 05:00 Fred Dinenage: Murder Casebook 16:45 Love, Rosie 10:20 Southern Fried Homicide 13:30 Cake Boss 06:00 I Love You...But I Lied 18:30 7 Chinese Brothers 11:10 Betrayed 13:55 Cake Boss 07:00 I Love You...But I Lied 20:15 Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo 12:00 The Locator 06:00 Right Now Kapow 14:20 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 08:00 Evil Up Close 22:00 Barbershop 2: Back In Business 12:25 The Locator 06:25 Disney11 15:10 Toddlers & Tiaras 09:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 23:45 The Hot Chick 12:50 I Almost Got Away With It 06:50 Penn Zero: Part Time Hero 16:00 Little People, Big World 10:00 Homicide Hunter 13:40 California Investigator 07:15 Milo Murphy's Law 16:25 Little People, Big World 11:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 14:05 California Investigator 07:25 Danger Mouse 16:50 Suddenly Rich 12:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 14:30 Deadly Affairs 07:40 Supa Strikas 17:40 Say Yes To The Dress 13:00 I Love You...But I Lied 15:20 Southern Fried Homicide 08:10 K.C. Undercover 18:05 Say Yes To The Dress 14:00 Evil Up Close 16:10 The Detectives Club: New Orleans 08:35 Counterfeit Cat 00:00 We Are Many 18:30 Oprah: Where Are They Now? 15:00 Homicide Hunter 17:00 The Locator 09:00 Lab Rats 02:00 The Blind Side 19:20 Cake Boss 16:00 Robbie Coltrane's Critical Evidence 17:25 The Locator 09:25 Lab Rats 04:15 The Theory Of Everything 19:45 Cake Boss 17:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 17:50 I Almost Got Away With It 09:50 Future-Worm! 06:30 Jappeloup 20:10 Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners 18:00 Nightmare In Suburbia 18:40 California Investigator 10:20 Pair Of Kings 08:45 We Are Many 21:00 My 600lb Life 19:00 Evil Up Close 19:05 California Investigator 10:45 Pair Of Kings 10:45 The Theory Of Everything 22:40 The Rarest Boy In The World 20:00 Crimes That Shook Britain 19:30 Deadly Affairs 11:10 Danger Mouse 12:45 Quiz Show 23:30 My 600lb Life 21:00 Homicide Hunter 20:20 Southern Fried Homicide 11:35 Supa Strikas 15:00 The Blind Side 22:00 My Haunted House 21:10 Vanity Fair Confidential 12:00 Supa Strikas 17:15 The Sting 23:00 Paranormal State 22:00 Betrayed 12:30 Gravity Falls 19:30 And Justice For All 23:30 Paranormal State 22:50 Murder Chose Me 12:55 Annedroids 21:30 The Manchurian Candidate 23:40 Grave Secrets 13:20 Atomic Puppet 23:45 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon 00:00 Bizarre Foods America 13:45 Star vs The Forces Of Evil 01:00 Mysteries At The Monument 14:10 Disney Mickey Mouse 02:00 Going RV 14:15 Mighty Med 02:30 Big Time RV 00:05 Brotherhood 14:40 Kirby Buckets 03:00 Booze Traveler 00:30 Brotherhood 15:05 Lab Rats: Bionic Island 04:00 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 00:55 Impractical Jokers 00:00 Mamma Moo And Crow 00:00 Henry Hugglemonster 15:30 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much Destinations 01:20 Impractical Jokers 01:30 Lego: Scooby Doo Haunted 00:15 Calimero Everything 04:30 Bizarre Foods: Delicious 01:45 Lip Sync Battle Hollywood 00:30 Art Attack 15:55 Right Now Kapow Destinations 02:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 03:00 Ducktales: The Movie 00:55 Zou 16:25 K.C. Undercover 05:00 Bizarre Foods America Patrol 04:30 Winnie The Pooh 01:05 Loopdidoo 16:50 Disney11 06:00 Mysteries At The Monument 03:00 The Daily Show With Trevor Noah 06:00 The Heart Of The Oak 01:20 Henry Hugglemonster 17:15 Mech-X4 07:00 House Hunters International 03:25 Life Or Debt 07:30 Robosapien: Rebooted 01:35 Calimero 17:40 Milo Murphy's Law 09:00 Going RV 04:15 Disaster Date 09:15 The Adventures Of Don Quixote 01:50 Zou 18:05 Disney Mickey Mouse 09:30 Big Time RV 04:40 Disaster Date 11:00 Marco Macaco 02:05 Art Attack 18:10 Gravity Falls 10:00 Hotel Impossible 05:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 12:30 Mamma Moo And Crow 02:30 The Hive 18:35 Mighty Med 11:00 Mysteries At The Monument Patrol 14:00 Capture The Flag 02:40 Loopdidoo 19:00 Atomic Puppet 12:00 Texas Flip And Move 05:55 Bondi Ink. 15:45 The Adventures Of Don Quixote 02:55 Henry Hugglemonster 19:25 Gamer's Guide To Pretty Much 13:00 House Hunters International 06:50 Catch A Contractor 17:30 Frog Kingdom 03:10 Art Attack Everything 15:00 Going RV 07:40 Lip Sync Battle 19:00 Yugo & Lala 2 03:35 Loopdidoo 19:55 K.C. Undercover 15:30 Big Time RV 08:30 Disorderly Conduct: Video On 20:30 Capture The Flag 03:50 Calimero 20:20 Mech-X4 16:00 Texas Flip And Move Patrol 22:15 Robosapien: Rebooted 04:05 Art Attack 20:45 Disney11 THE BLIND SIDE ON OSN MOVIES FESTIVAL 23:45 Frog Kingdom 17:00 Hotel Impossible Classifieds

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO THURSDAY (08/06/2017 TO 15/06/2017)

SHARQIA-1 MARINA-1 THE EXCEPTION 12:45 AM Taht Al Tarabeza (Re-Release) 10:00 PM Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 9:30 PM Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 12:15 AM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:15 AM 360º- 1 MARINA-2 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 9:45 PM SHARQIA-2 Seats-428 Taht Al Tarabeza (Re-Release) 9:45 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:30 AM Min 30 Sana (Re-Release) 9:30 PM Ashan Khargen (Re-Release) 12:30 AM AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 12:30 AM 360º- 2 MARINA-3 Taht Al Tarabeza (Re-Release) 10:15 PM SHARQIA-3 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL 10:00 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 12:45 AM MINIONS (Re Release) 9:45 PM Min 30 Sana (Re-Release) 12:05 AM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 11:45 PM 360º- 3 AVENUES-1 AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 9:45 PM MUHALAB-1 YO-KAI WATCH: The Movie 9:30 PM AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 11:15 PM Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 9:30 PM ALIEN: COVENANT 11:30 PM Ashan Khargen (Re-Release) 12:45 AM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 11:45 PM AVENUES-2 MUHALAB-2 MINIONS(Re Release)-3D-4DX 10:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 RAABTA (Hindi) 9:45 PM KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (3D-4DX) 12:05 AM Ashan Khargen (Re-Release) 9:30 PM AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 12:45 AM Min 30 Sana (Re-Release) 11:45 PM AVENUES-3 AL-KOUT.2 MUHALAB-3 THE BOSS BABY 10:30 PM LOST Ashan Khargen (Re-Release) 10:00 PM HERE ALONE 12:30 AM AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 9:45 PM Required Min 30 Sana (Re-Release) 12:15 AM AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 11:15 PM I, Ayesha Jaffar, Eshbelia AVENUES-4 AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 12:45 AM Block 4 street 429 building Data Entry FANAR-1 ALIEN: COVENANT 10:15 PM no. 48, hereby inviting to the RAABTA (Hindi) 9:30 PM Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 12:45 AM AL-KOUT.3 notice of the public that my certificate of BCOM examina- Operator RAABTA (Hindi) 12:30 AM Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 10:15 PM tion 2014 with registration AVENUES-5 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 12:30 AM no. FFALBS0003 of Calicut with Shipping Line FANAR-2 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 9:45 PM AL-KOUT.4 University have been Experience to work U.S DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL 10:30 PM DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL 12:15 AM Safra 5 Njoom (Kuwaiti Film) (Re-Release 10:00 PM irrecoverably lost during Army, Shuaiba Port Taht Al Tarabeza (Re-Release) 12:30 AM transit from India to Kuwait Taht Al Tarabeza (Re-Release) 12:05 AM as such I intend to apply for AVENUES-6 Email: [email protected] the duplicate certificate. If FANAR-3 AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 10:00 PM BAIRAQ-1 anybody happens to get the Contact 94418396 or KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD 9:45 PM Min 30 Sana (Re-Release) 11:30 PM originals may kindly send MINIONS (Re Release) 9:45 PM 94033908 (12-6-2017) Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 12:15 AM AVENUES-7 the same or intimate the THE BOSS BABY 11:45 PM Ashan Khargen (Re-Release) 9:30 PM undersigned or the universi- ty. Ayesha Jaffar S/d. FANAR-4 Laf Wa Dawaran (Re-Release) 11:45 PM PRAYER TIMINGS BAIRAQ-2 (C 5321) Min 30 Sana (Re-Release) 9:30 PM DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL 10:00 PM 14-6-2017 Fajr: 03:13 ALIEN: COVENANT 12:30 AM AVENUES-8 FANAR-5 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL 12:05 AM Shorook: 04:49 DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL 10:15 PM ACCOMMODATION AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 10:00 PM Taht Al Tarabeza (Re-Release) 12:30 AM Duhr: 11:48 BAIRAQ-3 AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 11:30 PM Sharing accommodation For RAABTA (Hindi) 9:30 PM Asr: 15:22 AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 1:00 AM AVENUES-9 Filipino Bachelor ONLY AL FERAN (KUWAITI) 12:30 AM Maghrib: 18:48 RAABTA (Hindi) 9:45 PM Farwaniya block 1, near gulf­ mart. Available on June 25, Isha: 20:21

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw) DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Arrival Flights on Wednesday 14/6/2017 CLX 792 Luxembourg 13:15 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 JZR 1776 Jeddah 11:00 Airlines Flt Route Time KAC 662 Abu Dhabi 13:15 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 AXB 190 Delhi 11:05 JZR 553 Alexandria 00:15 KNE 529 Jeddah 13:40 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 MSC 416 Sohag 11:15 KAC 786 Jeddah 00:30 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 QTR 1082 Doha 22:00 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 102 London 00:55 IRC 6521 Lamerd 14:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:10 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 DLH 635 Doha 01:00 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 AIC 975 Goa 22:25 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:00 JZR 539 Cairo 01:20 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 BBC 043 Dhaka 22:30 SYR 342 Latakia 12:00 MSR 618 Alexandria 01:35 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:15 JZR 241 Amman 22:55 AXB 890 Mangalore 12:05 RJA 642 Amman 01:45 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 MSR 2614 Cairo 23:30 KAC 511 Mashhad 12:45 KLM 446 Bahrain 02:05 KAC 364 Colombo 14:15 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:00 QTR 1086 Doha 02:05 KAC 618 Doha 14:20 Departure Flights on Wednesday 14/6/2017 JZR 786 Riyadh 13:10 PGT 830 Istanbul 02:10 KAC 788 Jeddah 14:55 Airlines Flt Route Time JZR 176 Dubai 13:10 ETH 620 Addis Ababa 02:15 KAC 304 Mumbai 14:55 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 THY 767 Istanbul 13:45 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:15 KAC 692 Muscat 14:55 JZR 1540 Cairo 00:20 FEG 932 Alexandria 13:55 ICV 856 Luxembourg 02:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 15:05 JAI 573 Mumbai 00:30 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 KAC 418 Manila 02:50 KNE 683 Madinah 15:05 MSC 406 Sohag 00:30 CLX 792 Hanoi 14:30 OMA 643 Muscat 03:05 OMA 645 Muscat 15:10 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 IRC 6512 ABD 14:50 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 KAC 502 Beirut 15:25 MSR 2615 Cairo 00:30 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 MSR 612 Cairo 03:15 KAC 412 Bangkok 15:30 KAC 363 Colombo 01:55 KNE 382 Taif 15:00 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:00 KAC 382 Delhi 03:15 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:35 DLH 635 Frankfurt 02:00 QTR 1076 Doha 03:40 MSR 619 Alexandria 02:35 KAC 615 Bahrain 15:10 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 KAC 544 Cairo 03:50 ETH 621 Addis Ababa 03:05 QTR 1079 Doha 15:15 SAW 705 Damascus 15:50 KAC 796 Madinah 03:55 PGT 831 Istanbul 03:10 KAC 563 Amman 15:40 SVA 504 Madinah 16:00 CEB 018 Manila 04:00 KLM 446 Amsterdam 03:30 SVA 501 Jeddah 15:45 RJA 640 Amman 16:00 KAC 346 Ahmedabad 04:15 OMA 644 Muscat 04:05 KNE 530 Jeddah 15:55 MSR E70 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:10 KAC 358 Kochi 04:50 QTR 1087 Doha 04:10 KAC 619 Doha 16:00 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 FEG 931 Alexandria 05:00 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:10 JZR 701 Madinah 16:00 KAC 784 Jeddah 05:00 FDB 051 Dubai 16:15 MSR 613 Cairo 04:15 KAC 775 Riyadh 16:05 THY 770 Istanbul 05:05 JZR 535 Cairo 16:20 KAC 417 Manila 04:20 OMA 646 Muscat 16:10 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:10 KAC 118 New York 16:25 JZR 560 Sohag 04:45 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:15 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 JZR 787 Riyadh 16:35 KAC 103 ondon 05:00 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 16:20 KAC 332 Trivandrum 05:40 JZR 1777 Jeddah 16:35 CEB 019 Manila 05:30 SAW 706 Damascus 16:50 KAC 362 Colombo 05:50 NIA 361 Alexandria 16:50 QTR 1077 Doha 05:35 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:50 BAW 157 London 06:05 AZQ 4565 Baghdad 17:00 KAC 303 Mumbai 5:50 RJA 641 Amman 16:55 THY 6562 Istanbul 06:15 KAC 542 Cairo 17:05 FEG 954 Asyut 05:55 SVA 505 Madinah 16:55 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:35 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 RJA 643 Amman 06:25 FDB 052 Dubai 17:05 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:40 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 THY 771 Istanbul 06:25 KAC 503 Beirut 17:15 KAC 302 Mumbai 06:55 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:35 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 JZR 266 Beirut 17:15 JZR 1541 Cairo 07:10 JZR 177 Dubai 17:45 KAC 501 Beirut 07:50 JZR 552 Alexandria 17:25 KAC 384 Delhi 08:00 QTR 1080 Doha 18:05 KAC 171 Frankfurt 07:50 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 KAC 616 Bahrain 18:20 THY 6562 Hanoi 08:15 JZR 240 Amman 17:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:55 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 BAW 156 London 08:20 KAC 361 Colombo 17:35 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 512 Mashhad 18:40 KAC 741 Riyadh 08:35 KAC 357 Kochi 17:40 IRC 6511 ABD 09:10 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 KAC 513 Tehran 08:45 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 661 Abu Dhabi 08:45 KAC 381 Delhi 17:50 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:25 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 101 London 09:00 NIA 362 Alexandria 17:50 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KAC 154 Istanbul 19:30 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 KAC 343 Chennai 18:00 AXB 189 Delhi 09:45 KAC 674 Dubai 19:40 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 KAC 283 Dhaka 18:00 MSC 415 Sohag 10:15 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:50 KAC 117 New York 09:15 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 KAC 691 Muscat 09:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 KAC 620 Doha 19:50 JZR 534 Cairo 09:30 JZR 538 Cairo 18:30 SYR 341 Damascus 11:00 KAC 104 London 20:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 785 Jeddah 18:45 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 11:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 AZQ 4566 GYD 19:00 JZR 561 Sohag 11:10 KAC 541 Cairo 10:00 KNE 381 Taif 20:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:15 KAC 742 Dammam 11:45 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:00 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:15 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:00 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 IRC 6522 Lamerd 10:00 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 KAC 774 Riyadh 12:45 QTR 1088 Doha 20:35 KAC 617 Doha 10:15 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 THY 766 Istanbul 12:50 JZR 702 Taif 20:55 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:25 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 FEG 953 Asyut 12:55 KAC 564 Amman 21:00 KAC 153 Istanbul 10:30 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 ETD 307 Dhabi 21:10 QTR 1071 Doha 10:35 KAC 331 Trivandrum 20:35 KAC 514 Tehran 13:10 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 stars34 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 CROSSWORD 1636 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

In taking care of business, it is important to stay focused. There is a sense Your career could assume a much more determined and solid form. This of emotional coolness or detachment at the personal level. It is ideas that is a real time to buckle down and firm up your career goals. Your own ambition and count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns-and you may have little tol- drive are strong. You are able to use good reasonable thinking and make good choic- erance for people who do not function at this level. You do not waste words today as es. You can get a faster push forward by taking the right kind of action; you are posi- communications tend to be short and to the point. Take time to be specific and ask for tive and attentive. By working at a steady pace you will make a lot of progress. This feedback so that you can be sure you were clear in your instructions to others. Take care afternoon you may find yourself advising or guiding another. Your spontaneity and of every last detail by proofing, or if possible, exchanging your work with someone else unpredictability make you interesting to a group gathering this evening. You are and proofing the other's work. Develop and use your critical faculties. You are deter- independent and the way you come across to others creates an opportunity to teach mined to complete your tasks. This evening is an excellent time to relax by music. and guide. You find some time to enjoy some simple exercise before retiring tonight.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Inventions, in particular in communications, perhaps by updating com- You may find that a particular project is just not your cup of tea this morn- puters and electronics, may be a path of temptation to move into some type of new ing. You take your turn and may have the opportunity to suggest a rotation routine so profession. There are clear perspectives into your present reality, making situations easi- that you are not always called on to do things you do not want to do every day. A good er to understand. You are tolerant and accepting of differences and have good insights sport attitude may be all-important just now. Outwardly you are intense and passionate into problems. Independent, you like to promote and compromise and otherwise show and this quality is so essential to your character that all else revolves around it. This is what your desire and abilities to understand others. You may be unconventional in matters of makes you popular when your work or personal partners want to move forward and get philosophy and religion-always finding new ways to get past the fluff. You must under- things accomplished. This afternoon you and your neighbors may decide that this next stand, however, that your insights into truth and the eternal make you a loner at times. weekend would be perfect for a cookout. A meeting will be productive and allow every- You seek to understand situations by finding new ways to better conditions. one to pick what to bring, whose house and the theme or fun activities to enjoy.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) You are in tune with the practical issues in the workplace today. A firm This is a time of good fortune when things open up in a very natural way sense of direction will help get you to your destination. This is a great for you. Opportunities are plenty and you may find yourself wanting and able to do time to be working in groups. You may be sought after as a guide or leader. You could almost anything. This is one of those days that everything blends together and results be most persuasive with others and charismatic in speech and communication. You are the best they can be. Now . . . Here are some real opportunities to complete and could come up with new solutions or inventions, and it is good that you are willing to ACROSS DOWN work out difficulties and projects that require both long-term effort and a high degree listen to the ideas of others. It is ideas that count for you now, more than narrowly per- 1. A lyric poet. 1. An outlying farm building for storing grain or of discipline. This is also a day that is good for most job-related events. You could repre- sonal concerns. Family needs are important and there is no question about attending 5. A mountain peak in the Andes in Bolivia animal feed and housing farm animals. sent or speak for your company at this time. Any personal matters you want to accom- a family event this evening. Praise and support encourages a loved one to achieve the (21,391 feet high). 2. Wild sheep of northern Africa. plish or business matters that need tending will also certainly end in positive ways. best. You are the cheerleader and the inspiration for your family and friends. Tonight would be a good time to pal around with some of your friends-maybe sports. 11. A piece of information about circumstances 3. The German state. that exist or events that have occurred. 4. Fairly small terrestrial ferns of tropical America. 15. A particular geographical region of indefinite 5. A health resort near a spring or at the seaside. boundary (usually serving some special pur- 6. A city in northwestern Syria. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) pose or distinguished by its people or culture 7. A native or inhabitant of Yugoslavia. or geography). 8. Bristlelike process near the tip of the antenna of You are in control of your day, especially when interacting with superi- Be satisfied with the ordinary and usual for now. Novel ideas or insights 16. Grammatical number category referring to certain flies. ors. You may find that you enjoy your job or the responsibility it requires. It is ideas could be more damaging than useful. There is hectic emotional energy prevailing, but two or more items or units. that count for you now, more than narrowly personal concerns. You are at your most it is only temporary. After the workday is over, you could be tempted to relieve stress 9. A blanket that is used as a cloak or shawl. practical when it comes to dealing and working with others. You know just what to 17. Large sweet juicy hybrid between tangerine by purchasing some items. There is a greater appreciation for things of value and the 10. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of do and can act without haste. Your ideal dream is a private one and heaven is as close idea of value itself is in order. This could be a period of great material gain; it is certain- and grapefruit having a thick wrinkled skin. an organism. as work and family. The romantic in you struggles against the frontier spirit that often ly a time when material things have a great deal of importance for you. If you are on a 18. The state of being decayed or destroyed. 11. A family of languages of the Fula people of moves you to action. You will continue to develop a knack for organizing things and budget, give yourself twenty-four hours before making your final purchase decision. 19. An island in the Aegean Sea in the Saronic west Africa in the sub-Sahara regions from people as a sense of ambition and practicality deepens. Work, achievement and You may be helpful to a friend or close relative this evening. You are able to find the ambition mean a lot to you now-show off your skills. Gulf. Senegal to Chad. real truth about a questionable situation. 20. Concerning those not members of the clergy. 12. Title for a civil or military leader (especially in 21. A rechargeable battery with a nickel cathode Turkey). and a cadmium anode. 13. (Greek mythology) The Muse of history. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) Leo (July 23-August 22) 23. (prefix) Coming after. 14. A metallic tapping sound. 25. (informal) Being satisfactory or in satisfactory 22. An informal term for a father. Your dreams and ideals are very important to you. You may be more Anyone who tries to get you to play with words is in for a big surprise. condition. 24. Warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates charac- focused on your goals now than ever before. You busy yourself putting those plans of Your mind cuts right through all the window dressing and gets right down to the 26. A collection of objects laid on top of each oth- terized by feathers and forelimbs modified as yours to work. You will notice that you have become more focused in your work lately. quick. Before anyone knows it, you have the heart of the matter out front for everyone This afternoon, when you show up early for a family get-together, they may be sur- to see. You would make a great investigator, either in scientific research or undercover er. wings. 28. An industrial city in the Donets Basin. prised as well as pleased that you broke free from your projects in order to be with work. It makes no difference. Your ability to get to the point is all but phenomenal. You 27. A Thraco-Phrygian language spoken by the them. You are intuitively learning your limits as well as implementing a balance in your can talk and put into words areas of the psychological that others would not touch. 31. The ratio of the circumference to the diameter ancient inhabitants of Phrygia and now life. There is time this evening for making a few special plans that will help you com- You have an urge to put out to sea and to somehow get past what separates and into of a circle. extinct--preserved only in a few inscriptions. plete one or two of your goals. You may find yourself putting your whole heart into that which unites or ties things together. Your drive to make dreams real keeps you 33. Hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary 29. Tall fan palm of Africa and India and Malaysia making your dreams and ideals a reality. Much can be accomplished without stress. working for your vision and goals. Consider volunteer work this week. gland (trade name Pitressin) and also by yielding a hard wood and sweet sap that is a nerve endings in the hypothalamus. source of palm wine and sugar. 34. A white soft metallic element that tarnishes 30. Of or relating to near the ear. Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) readily. 32. A mass of ice and snow that permanently cov- 35. Small genus of Australian shrubs or trees. ers a large area of land (e.g., the polar regions Saying or writing with style comes natural to you these days. New Your successful optimism is obvious and therefore, catching. You see pos- 38. (informal) Of the highest quality. or a mountain peak). words to increase your vocabulary expertise can be a fun activity between you and a itive results from your hard work today. Family, home, relatives and real 40. Type genus of the family Arcidae. friend or co-worker. Your ability to discriminate real breakthroughs and spot new estate play a big part in your life now. Perhaps you have been planning a move and 36. The cardinal number that is the sum of eight trends makes you able to work in areas that are at the very fringe of technology as someone calls with information on just the right home for you. You work to show off your 42. Either extremity of something that has length. and one. 43. Antibacterial drug (trade name Nydrazid) well as psychology. You love all that is new and different and electronics, computers, skills and you enjoy the praise you receive. This time marks a change of direction for you, 37. Large scissors with strong blades. communication-in fact, everything electrical is where your attention stays focused away from the material and glitter, toward inner needs and security. Your intuition is used to treat tuberculosis. 39. The 3rd planet from the sun. most of this day. There is a desire for variety this evening, particularly where it applies strong and can guide you accurately in making forecasts or decisions; allow this to work 44. An accidental hole that allows something (flu- 41. Long-legged spotted cat of Africa and south- to romantic experience and artistic tastes. A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous ori- for you. You will find yourself more concerned with maintaining and strengthening your id or light etc.) to enter or escape. western Asia having nonretractile claws. entation sets in now. You will enjoy the interaction of friends tonight. position, rather than pushing outward. These next few months are for friends. 46. A name for the Old Testament God as translit- 45. Cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a erated from the Hebrew YHVH. skewer usually with vegetables. 48. An area of ground used for some particular 47. Naked freshwater or marine or parasitic proto- Word Search purpose (such as building or farming). Yesterday’s Solution zoa that form temporary pseudopods for 52. (Akkadian) God of wisdom. feeding and locomotion. 53. A very prickly woody vine of the eastern 49. A colorless and odorless inert gas. United States growing in tangled masses 50. A compartment in front of a motor vehicle having tough round stems with shiny leath- where driver sits. ery leaves and small greenish flowers fol- 51. A Russian river. lowed by clusters of inedible shiny black 55. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element. berries. 58. Obsolete terms for legal insanity. 54. Relating to or like or divided into areolae. 61. A coffee cake flavored with orange rind and 56. An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure equal raisins and almonds. to about a bushel. 57. A highly unstable radioactive element (the 62. A metal spike with a hole for a rope. heaviest of the halogen series). 64. A cord fastened around the neck with an 59. In such a manner as could not be otherwise. ornamental clasp and worn as a necktie. 60. (Babylonian) God of wisdom and agriculture 65. In bed. and patron of scribes and schools. 66. The 11th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. 63. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from 68. A law passed by US Congress to prevent aba cloth. employees from being injured or contracting 67. The capital city of Vietnam. diseases in the course of their employment. 69. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. 70. Harsh or corrosive in tone. 72. Large high frilly cap with a full crown. 71. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake 74. Loose temporary stitches. Chad. 76. A white metallic element that burns with a 73. Hawaiian dish of taro root pounded to a paste brilliant light. and often allowed to ferment. 77. Fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but 75. A federal agency established to coordinate heavier than beer. programs aimed at reducing pollution and 78. Chop cut from a hog. protecting the environment. 81. An open box attached to a long pole handle. 79. A radioactive gaseous element formed by the 82. A major school of Buddhism teaching person- disintegration of radium. al salvation through one's own efforts. 80. A substance produced by the hypothalamus 83. A federal agency established to regulate the that is capable of accelerating the secretion release of new foods and health-related of a given hormone by the anterior pituitary products. gland. Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 information

For labor-related inquiries INTERNATIONAL and complaints: CALLS Call MSAL hotline 128

Afghanistan 0093 Lithuania 00370 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Luxembourg 00352 Algeria 00213 Macau 00853 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Macedonia 00389 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Angola 00244 Madagascar 00261 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Anguilla 001264 Majorca 0034 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malawi 00265 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Malaysia 0060 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Maldives 00960 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Mali 00223 Austria 0043 Malta 00356 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Azerbaijan 00994 Marshall Islands 00692 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Adaliya 22517144 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Kaifan 24849807 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Shuwaikh 24814507 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Nuzha 22526804 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Qadsiya 22515088 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Dasmah 22532265 Chad 00235 N. Ireland (UK) 0044 Chile 0056 North Korea 00850 Bneid Al-Gar 22531908 China 0086 Norway 0047 Shaab 22518752 Colombia 0057 Oman 00968 Comoros 00269 Pakistan 0092 Qibla 22459381 Congo 00242 Palau 00680 Ayoun Al-Qibla 22451082 Cook Islands 00682 Panama 00507 Costa Rica 00506 Papua New Guinea 00675 Mirqab 22456536 Croatia 00385 Paraguay 00595 Sharq 22465401 Cuba 0053 Peru 0051 Cyprus 00357 Philippines 0063 Salmiya 25746401 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Poland 0048 Jabriya 25316254 Czech Republic 00420 Portugal 00351 Denmark 0045 Puerto Rico 001787 Maidan Hawally 25623444 Diego Garcia 00246 Qatar 00974 Bayan 25388462 Djibouti 00253 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Mishref 25381200 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Rwanda 00250 W Hawally 22630786 Ecuador 00593 Saint Helena 00290 Sabah 24810221 Egypt 0020 Saint Kitts 001869 El Salvador 00503 Saint Lucia 001758 Jahra 24770319 England (UK) 0044 Saint Pierre 00508 New Jahra 24575755 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Saint Vincent 001784 Eritrea 00291 Samoa US 00684 West Jahra 24772608 Estonia 00372 Samoa West 00685 South Jahra 24775066 Ethiopia 00251 San Marino 00378 Falkland Islands 00500 Sao Tome 00239 North Jahra 24775992 Faroe Islands 00298 Saudi Arabia 00966 North Jleeb 24311795 Fiji 00679 Scotland (UK) 0044 Finland 00358 Senegal 00221 Ardhiya 24884079 France 0033 Seychelles 00284 Firdous 24892674 French Guiana 00594 Sierra Leone 00232 French Polynesia 00689 Singapore 0065 Omariya 24719048 Gabon 00241 Slovakia 00421 N Khaitan 24710044 Gambia 00220 Slovenia 00386 Georgia 00995 Solomon Islands 00677 Fintas 23900322 Germany 0049 Somalia 00252 Ghana 00233 South Africa 0027 Gibraltar 00350 South Korea 0082 Greece 0030 Spain 0034 Greenland 00299 Sri Lanka 0094 PRIVATE CLINICS Grenada 001473 Sudan 00249 Guadeloupe 00590 Suriname 00597 Guam 001671 Swaziland 00268 Guatemala 00502 Sweden 0046 Ophthalmologists Plastic Surgeons Paediatricians Endocrinologist Guinea 00224 Switzerland 0041 Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf 22547272 Dr. Khaled Hamadi 25665898 Guyana 00592 Syria 00963 Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman 25339330 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari 22617700 Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed 25340300 Haiti 00509 Serbia 00381 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Abdel Quttainah 25625030/60 Dr. Zahra Qabazard 25710444 Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Taiwan 00886 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Family Doctor Dr. Sohail Qamar 22621099 Honduras 00504 Tanzania 00255 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Dr Divya Damodar 23729596/23729581 Dr. Snaa Maaroof 25713514 Hong Kong 00852 Thailand 0066 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Physiotherapists & VD Psychiatrists Dr. Pradip Gujare 23713100 Hungary 0036 Togo 00228 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Dr. Zacharias Mathew 24334282 Dr. Deyaa Shehab 25722291 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Tonga 00676 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Esam Al-Ansari 22635047 Iceland 00354 Tokelau 00690 Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan 22613623/0 Dermatology Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees 22666288 Trinidad 001868 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Gynaecologists & Obstetricians Dr. Mohammed Salam India 0091 Rheumatologists: Indian Ocean 00873 Tunisia 00216 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 DrAdrian arbe 23729596/23729581 Bern University 23845955 Indonesia 0062 Turkey 0090 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Verginia s.Marin 2572-6666 ext 8321 Dentists Dr. Adel Al-Awadi 25330060 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Iran 0098 Tuvalu 00688 Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan 22655539 Dr Anil Thomas 3729596/3729581 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah 25722290 Iraq 00964 Uganda 00256 Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami 25343406 Dr. Shamah Al-Matar 22641071/2 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 Ireland 00353 Ukraine 00380 Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly 25739272 Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed 22562226 Internist, Chest & Heart General Practitioners Italy 0039 United Arab Emirates 00976 Dr. Salem soso 22618787 Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer 22561444 Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 DR.Mohammes Akkad 24555050 Ext 210 Ivory Coast 00225 United Kingdom 0044 Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan 22619557 General Surgeons Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Mohammad Zubaid Jamaica 001876 Uruguay 00598 Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash 22525888 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer 22610044 MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Japan 0081 USA 001 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan 25653755 Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher 25327148 Assistant Professor Of Medicine Jordan 00962 Uzbekistan 00998 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Bader Al-Ansari 25620111 Head, Division of Cardiology Internists, Chest & Heart Kazakhstan 007 Vanuatu 00678 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Neurologists Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital 25339667 Dr. Adnan Ebil 22639939 Kenya 00254 Venezuela 00582 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri 25633324 Dr. Mousa Khadada 22666300 Consultant Cardiologist Kiribati 00686 Vietnam 0084 Urologists Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan 25345875 Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan 25728004 Dr. Farida Al-Habib 2611555-2622555 Kuwait 00965 Virgin Islands UK 001284 Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Gastrologists MD, PH.D, FACC Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra 25355515 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Virgin Islands US 001340 Dr. Sami Aman 22636464 Inaya German Medical Center Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Mobarak Aldoub 24726446 Laos 00856 Wales (UK) 0044 Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly 25322030 Te: 2575077 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr Nasser Behbehani 25654300/3 Latvia 00371 Yemen 00967 Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali 22633135 Fax: 25723123 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Lebanon 00961 Yugoslavia 00381 Zambia 00260 Soor Center Liberia 00231 Psychologists [email protected] Tel: 2290-1677 Kaizen center Noor Clinic William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Libya 00218 Zimbabwe 00263 /Psychotherapists www.soorcenter.com Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688 25716707 23845955 Lesotho 00266 lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

GOSSIP Carole King announces Tapestry: Live At Hyde Park release

arole King is to release her iconic 'Tapestry: Live At Hyde Park' con- take 'Tapestry' and hold the album to their heart and say, 'This is real.'" cert on CD, DVD and digitally. The 75-year-old music legend per- Now fans will be able to relive the live show, a moment in musical history, Cformed her seminal album 'Tapestry' live for the first time ever when with the release of the package, which includes the entire concert and she headlined Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park in Carole herself giving fans an insight into the making her esteemed second London in July last year. The 'It's Too Late' hitmaker - who was playing her record. Acknowledging the 45 years that have passed since the album's first concert in the UK for 27 years - was welcomed onto the stage by a original release, King said at the concert: "So, this is what 74 looks like ... video tribute that included messages from Sir Elton John and Tom Hanks I'm old but I want you to know I'm OK with it." King's set was watched by a as her thousands of fans cheered wildly. In the clip that was broadcast, the host of stars including One Direction's Niall Horan, Suki Waterhouse, 70-year-old 'Tiny Dancer' hitmaker said of the star: "She's the quintessen- Georgia May Jagger and her sister Lizzie Jagger, Dominic Cooper, Kelly tial singer/songwriter. I can't thank her enough because without her I Jones, Mel C and Will Young. 'Tapestry: Live At Hyde Park', which is being would have never wanted to write songs. I always wanted to write songs released via Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, like Gerry Goffin and Carole King." Hanks, 60, added: "There wasn't a and Rockingale Records on September 1. woman on the planet earth that, sometimes even your mum, who didn't

Gomez hopes Bad Liar introduces Ed Sheeran to fans to Talking Heads perform intimate

elena Gomez hopes sampling Talking bass line is totally separate from what the Heads on 'Bad Liar' has introduced actual song is, but it is one of the those gig for Capital Sher fans to the legendary new wave things where it either works or it doesn't band. The 24-year-old pop beauty received work. And luckily, in this case, I think it permission from the group's lead singer came out really well, and it did it justice. David Byrne, 65, to use Tina Weymouth's And I really hope that some of my fans who classic bassline from their 1977 hit 'Psycho maybe weren't really familiar with that kind Killer' on the song and is thrilled that they of music would be introduced to that. So, it liked how it turned out. Asked about the was exciting." The 'It Ain't Me' hitmaker has track, she said: "It was just kind of one of promised her fans - who are known as those moments where it happened. Selenators - that new tunes are "coming for 'Psycho Killer' is an amazing song and the sure" as she is making headway in the stu- dio. She said: "I spent a year in the studio, and now I'm putting all of these pieces together, and it's coming a lot faster than people think. But that's what makes it great, because there's a little mystery to it, and it sounds so separate from everything else I've done. I mean, from the Kygo record, to 'Bad Liar' and the next thing d Sheeran is to perform an intimate gig at that's after 'Bad Liar' is so separate from KOKO London in Camden on June 20. The 26- Eddie Vedder pays £22K for that, it's just me trying to figure out where Eyear-old flame-haired hunk will perform at the it's gonna go. And I don't really have a set venue, which holds just 1,410, for what will be one of plan, but a lot of new music is coming for the smallest shows he's played in a very long time. Pearl Jam to play past curfew? sure." The brunette beauty - who is dating The show is part of the second gig in the 'Capital Up ddie Vedder reportedly signed a Washington, but he didn't mind his idol 'Starboy' rapper The Weeknd - has admit- Close with Coca-Cola' series, which only Capital lis- cheque for around £22,000 to contin- coming into contact with him and making ted she needed some space to work out teners will be able to win tickets to by listening to Eue Pearl Jam's concert after the cur- him bleed. Speaking on SiriusXM on the what she enjoys most in life as an actress, the radio station. The 'Supermarket Flowers' hitmak- few at Dublin's 3Arena on Friday night. The new channel dedicated to the 'Let It Be' hit- singer and as executive producer on hit er is looking forward to performing in the British cap- 'Better Man' hitmakers ended up doing a makers, simply called The Beatles Channel, Netflix series '13 Reasons Why'. She told ital amid his extensive world tour in support of his mighty 32 songs at the show and a fan has Eddie shared: "He kind of was illustrating iHeartRadio: "I kind of hovered away a little record-breaking album 'Divide', as it feels like home. claimed the 52-year-old rocker paid the how he hit this guy, and when he did that, bit because I really tried to find the balance Ed said: "I love London, it's like coming home. I'm staggering amount to perform beyond the he shot out his left arm as if he was hitting in my life. I think it's really important for me away a lot at the moment with the tour and I always 11pm time limit. Eddie is believed to have this guy, and I was standing there, and I got miss the UK. The fans are incredible and I can't wait to figure out what makes me happy, and I walked off stage briefly to sort out the hit. "He hit me! He didn't quite pull back to play for Capital listeners at such an intimate ven- don't really want to be all over the place. "I ue." Ashley Tabor, founder & executive president of money before continuing to perform the the punch, you see." On how he didn't want want to pick the things that I'm passionate Global, said: "Ed Sheeran is an incredible talent and rest of the set, which included Bob Dylan the moment to fade, he added: "I think I about, and I want to make them great, and one of the biggest artists on the planet. He sells out covers. A fan wrote on the group's forum remember tasting a bit of blood. He got me I think that's where I'm at in my life and in arenas all over the world, so to have him perform in on PearlJam.com: "A lad who works at the right on the side of the [face]. "I remember my career. So, I take the moments for such an intimate setting just for Capital listeners is 3Arena said Eddie walked off stage and it hurt for a few days, and I remember myself." very special. We created 'Capital Up Close' to give hit signed a cheque for 25,000 (£22,000) so he when it went away, and when the pain music fans the chance to see the world's biggest could keep playing." Meanwhile, the rock finally subsided and the swelling went artists up close and personal, kicking it off last year star recently revealed Beatles legend Sir down, I kind of missed it." with none other than Justin Timberlake. This is going Paul McCartney, 74, once punched him in to be another incredible show!" the face by mistake when they were out drinking in a busy bar in Seattle, Aerosmith close The Lounge Kittens: Rossi was Download Festival like fatherly figure on tour

erosmith's Steven Tyler closed Download Festival he Lounge Kittens say Status Quo's Francis Rossi was there is not enough people out there to see you, they are with the support of his daughter Liv Tyler on like a "fatherly figure" when they supported the leg- all in the band.'" When they performed at The O2 in ASunday night. The legendary rockers performed Tendary rockers last year. The comedy rock trio - com- London, which seats 20,000 people, Francis apologized to their biggest hits including 'Love in an Elevator' and prised of Jenny Deacon, Timia Gwendoline and Zan them about the small amount of people who turned up to 'Dude Looks Like a Lady' as the 39-year-old beauty sung Lawther - got the chance to perform on the 'Rockin' All see them, but they were happy to even be performing at along with her fiance Dave Gardner, 12-year-old son Over the World' hitmakers' 'Last Night Of The Electrics Tour' the famous venue. The pink-haired beauty said: "Even Milo - whom she has with ex-husband Royston in December and have heaped praise on the 68-year-old when there are only 10 people in The O2 it is still lots of Langdon - and her stepson Gray, nine, from the side of singer and guitarist who looked after them as if they were people. We were fine. "He was there and ushering you the main stage. The actress - who also has children his daughters and encouraged them before they went on onto the stage like he's got your back. Lovely guys." The Sailor, two and Lula-Rose, 11 months, with Dave - stage. Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at Download girls were gutted that Status Quo's late rhythm guitarist attempted to go incognito by rocking blacked out Nicki Minaj Festival at Donington Park, Leicestershire on Sunday Zan - Rick Parfitt, who died last Christmas Eve at the age of 68 as shades, but Steven kept going over and singing to his said: "They were just lovely people. Francis [Rossi] is a bit of a result of a severe infection, was too unwell to perform on daughter. During the two-hour set of 18 songs, Steven, a fan. He was like this father figure on the tour. He would the tour and even more so when he passed away shortly 69, dedicated 1973 classic 'Dream On' to the people teases new music pop up and he keeps a lot of time for himself and obvious- after the tour ended. Zan added: "He was too unwell for who lost their lives and were affected by the terrorist ly Rick wasn't there and he passed just after the tour fin- the tour and he died the day after, it was a shame. But his attacks in London and Manchester. He said: "It is amaz- icki Minaj has teased she has new music coming ished. "Francis would be there when you wouldn't expect presence was there." ing how quickly a dream can turn into a nightmare, this month. The 34-year-old rapper hasn't released it. "Moments before we were going on stage at The O2, right? I'm so sorry for the nightmares England has gone Na studio album since 2014's 'The Pinkprint', and Francis appeared and was like, 'I'm really p***ed off girls through lately. Not to mention the ones that we all go although she has had a range of singles this year including through daily. But, remember when you dream good 'Changed It' and 'Frauds', the star has teased she has big dreams, they are good for the whole world. Aerosmith plans for the rest of June. Speaking to DJ Whoo Kid on his is dreaming with. Dream on baby." Meanwhile, guitarist 'Whoolywood Shuffle' show on Shade 45, Nicki simply said: Joe Perry, 66, was on form and looked in good health "June is going to be a huge month for music, that's all I'm despite last July's stage collapse mid-concert, after going to say." Meanwhile, it was revealed last month that which he was hospitalized for dehydration and exhaus- tion. Highlights of the set included power ballad 'I Don't the 'Anaconda' hitmaker was teaming up with Katy Perry Want to Miss a Thing' as the clouds darkened the night to record a song called 'Soft Lips' for Calvin Harris' next sky and the finale of 'Walk This Way', which everyone album. And whilst all three artists have history with fellow was waiting for. The only thing missing to wrap up a musician Taylor Swift, sources insist the track won't be great weekend of live music at the festival at Donington about the 'Blank Space' hitmaker. Calvin dated Taylor for 15 Park in Leicestershire, was a big fireworks display at the months until June last year, Katy famously fell out with her end of their set, like Biffy Clyro had on Saturday night. in 2012 after the blonde beauty claimed she pinched her Earlier on in the day, heavy metal icons Slayer, Opeth backing dancers and Nicki had Twitter beef with her over and Clutch were among those who performed on the the lack of black artists nominated for MTV Video Music Zippo Encore stage. Throughout the festival fans were Awards in 2015. Of the song, which will no doubt be a big able to purchase their own official Download lighter at hit, an insider said: "Nicki and Katy Perry have already been the Zippo Encore Area. teasing 'Soft Lips' on social media. Although lyrically the song is not obviously about Taylor, it's no coincidence that these three artists all have come together. They have all had high-profile run-ins with Taylor and it won't have gone unnoticed by her." And the 'Super Bass' musician was also forced to make changes to her 'No Frauds' music video in March after footage she shot on Westminster Bridge in London was deemed inappropriate after the tragic news that three people were killed on the iconic landmark when a terrorist drove a car into pedestrians just one day after Nicki's shoot. A source said: "When everybody involved in the project heard the news they were devastated and thought it would be in bad taste to feature it. "The other London scenes will remain, but it's highly doubtful the bridge footage will make the cut." WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 lifestyle

GOSSIP Iain Glen: My Cousin Rachel keeps you guessing

ain Glen's latest film 'My Cousin Rachel' will keep you hold of it. I know what's going on. Wait, no I don't.' That's "But in amongst that you feel like you understand and that "guessing". The 'Game of Thrones' star is starring along- the psychological thriller that's at the heart of Daphne Du you've just been given a clue which leads you to one con- Iside Rachel Weisz, 47, in the new film by Roger Miller Maurier's writing." The film follows young Englishman clusion. "But then before you know it, you're being which is based around the 1951 novel by Daphne Du Philip (Sam Claflin) who plots revenge against his mysteri- dragged back into another conclusion. Rachel does that Maurier and Iain, who plays Nick Kendall, says the story will ous cousin Rachel believing that she murdered his very well because you feel for her at times. "You feel her "keep you guessing" in a good way. Speaking to website guardian. But his feelings become complicated as he finds hurt sometimes, and then you feel her vulnerability but Collider, the 55-year-old actor said: "Your relationship to himself falling under the beguiling spell of her charms and then you think she's being manipulative. "She plays it out Rachel, played so brilliantly by Rachel Weisz, changes Iain claims the audience will also jump between liking the very subtly throughout so that you're kept guessing." throughout. You become entranced and enticed by this character and not trusting her. Iain said: "I knew that she exotic creature that comes in and turns things upside was the great mistress of irresolution where nothing would down and you spend the rest of the film thinking 'I've got a become concrete and you'd be suspended throughout.

Chris Evans got Richard Gere: misty-eyed reading 'Pretty Woman script for Gifted still has its magic' ichard Gere thinks 'Pretty Woman' had a special "magic" to it. The 67-year-old actor - who played busi- Rnessman Edward Lewis in the 1990 romantic comedy alongside Julia Roberts as his lover Vivian Ward - admitted the iconic movie isn't always "in his life", but he is regularly asked about it, and he believes its enduring popularity is down to a quality that can't be easily replicated. When asked if he hated talking about 'Pretty Woman', he said: "No, I am OK with it, I only talk about it in interviews. It is not in my life all the time. It has lasted because there is a magic to it that you can't repeat, it was a magic that came from that time, that place and the people involved. When it comes to choosing his roles, Richard - who was previously married to Cindy Crawford and Carey Lowell and has dated Priscilla Presley and Kim Basinger - compared the process to "falling in love" because it is just as instinctive. He told the Metro newspaper: "You're just drawn to it. It's like falling in love - you can't say why, you can just feel it." And the actor rel- Shiori Kutsuna cast in Deadpool 2 ished the chance to portray small time operator Norman Oppenheimer in 2016 political drama 'Norman: The eadpool 2' has added Shiori Kutsuna to the cast. Baccarin will also return as Deadpool's love interest Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer' because it The 24-year-old actress is to star alongside Ryan Vanessa Carlysle, and Leslie Uggams will reprise her role as was such an unexpected role to be offered. He admitted: 'DReynolds who is reprising his role as the wise- Blind Al. When the 73-year-old actress was previously hris Evans got "misty-eyed" reading the script "With Norman I was surprised they asked me, it's not an cracking anti-hero in sequel to the 2016 box office hit. asked if she has a role in the second instalment, Leslie sim- for 'Gifted'. The 36-year-old actor admitted his obvious piece of casting. Everything about Norman is emo- Kutsuna - who starred in Lee Sang-il's 2013 remake of Clint ply replied: "Definitely." Also recently cast for 'Deadpool 2' Ccharacter Frank Adler - who cares for his niece, tionally, physically and psychologically opposite to me. But I Eastwood's 'Unforgiven' - has been cast in an as-yet is 'Atlanta' star Zazie Beetz, who will play the role of a mathematical genius - is very different to both was like, 'OK, if you are open to trying to figure out how to unknown role, but her character is believed to be key to Domino, a mutant who has developed telekinetic powers. himself and his most famous alter ego, Captain make this then I am too'." But when it comes down to the action flick's plot. 'The Strain' star Jack Kesy recently David Leitch will direct the upcoming film in replace of Tim America, but he could relate to having a "complex" Hollywood success, Richard believes "luck" is just as vital a joined the project as a main villain, believed to be Black Miller who helmed the first movie from a script penned by family to deal with. He told Time Out magazine: factor as talent. He said: "You have to have a certain amount Tom, an Irish mutant who wreaked havoc in the 'X-Men' the returning Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick. 'Deadpool 2' is "This is the kind of movie I would go and see. When I of talent of or you are a non-starter but there is an enor- comics as he had the ability to manipulate energy through scheduled to be released on June 1 next year. Kutsuna will read it I got a little misty-eyed. "I have a very big, col- mous amount of luck. I don't think it's something you can plants and nature. Josh Brolin is also on board the project soon be seen in comedy 'Oh Lucy!' alongside Josh Hartnett orful family who are complex at times. With friends actually make. In Buddhism we say 'causes and conditions'. and has been cast as Cable, whilst Stefan Kapacic will and a few months ago she wrapped shooting on crime you can always say 'get off' but with family you have You can't force it." reprise his role as Colossus and Brianna Hildebrand returns drama 'The Outsider', which also stars Jared Leto. to make it work. "Captain America is so selfless and as teenage psychic Negasonic Teenage Warhead. Morena noble. Frank is a little bit more of a gorilla. "He bot- tles up his feelings. That's very much not like me so it's fun to play the opposite." Meanwhile, Chris' long- running contract with the Marvel Cinematic Universe is due to end after two more movies, and though he's looking forward to not having any "pro- Washington fessional obligation" to stick to, he is expecting more tears when the time comes to say goodbye to his character. He said: "It's exciting to not have any pro- wants superhero fessional obligation but it has been a wonderful sense of job security. "There will be tears when I have to hang up the suit." Like many Marvel charac- movie role ters, there is a huge array of Captain America- erry Washington wants to do another super- themed merchandise available, and while Chris hero movie. The 40-year-old actress previously admitted it was initially "weird" seeing his face on Kstarred as Alicia Masters in 2005's 'Fantastic lunchboxes and pyjama sets, his mother is an avid Four' and its 2007 sequel 'Fantastic Four: Rise of the collector. He said: "It was weird at first but now it's Silver Surfer', and has said she'd "love" the opportu- old hat. My mother has all of it. Her attic has turned nity to "break new ground" by telling a story which into a museum of 'Captain America' memorabilia." "hasn't been told". She said: "I would definitely be open to doing another superhero movie. My compa- ny is actually working right now on a comic book movie that's not a superhero movie, but it is a comic book movie. It's about a teenage girl. But I ... you know, I'm really open. I'm really open. I feel like the Death of Hayek's dog landscape is so open in terms of, you know, casting against type when it comes to you know to even gender, race, so I'd love to do it. I'd love to be a part of another franchise like that. I'd love to kind of mirrored new movie's plot break new ground and tell a new story that hasn't been told, so I'd love to do it." And the 'Confirmation' actress insisted she is a "fan" of superhero movies alma Hayek's world was rocked when her dog died wins the nomination and then my neighbor kills my dog because they help "get to the core of our humanity" and Donald Trump won the Republican nomination - and it all goes back to Beatriz for me. But the way the by presenting individuals who are thought to be Sevents which mirrored the script of 'Beatriz at Dinner'. police and everyone around me behaved after my dog was "the best versions of humans". She added to The 50-year-old actress plays the titular Beatriz in her latest shot I remember calling [director Miguel Arteta] and sob- ScreenRant.com: "I feel like the thing about comics movie, directed by Miguel Arteta and written by Mike bing and saying to him, 'I am discovering a whole new and animated films are because somehow we are White, and she explained that certain moments in the America that makes me think that Trump is going to win.' " suspending our disbelief because to enter into an world and her life gave her a deeper understanding of the Describing Mike as a "visionary", Salma also referenced a alternate universe, we're able to get to the core of O'Shea Jackson Jr writer and the brilliance he'd created. Salma's beloved scene in which John Lithgow's character Doug Stutts our humanity. I don't know how that is, but when nine-year-old German Shepherd Mozart was shot dead by boasts of a safari trip - pointing out he later saw a photo of you take humans beings out of the question or kind her neighbor in February 2016 after the pooch ran onto President Trump's sons with a dead leopard on a hunt of of push them to the side, so how our themes with to star in Dock the person's land which is adjacent to the star's their own. She added: "I read all of this a year and a half being the best versions of humans you can become Washington state ranch where she lives with her husband ago. My birthday is in September, so this would have been more clear, so I'm into it. I love it. I'm a fan." 'Shea Jackson Jr is set to star in 'Dock'. The 26-year- Francois-Henri Pinault. Recalling how her canine was killed September 2015 when I read it and one after another all of old actor - who is the son of rapper and fellow in an interview with Collider.com, she said: "Mike wrote these things have happened in America and in my life that Omovie star Ice Cube - landed his big break in 2015 this script before Trump won the Republican nomination were in the script." starring in 'Straight Outta Compton' and the dark-haired but so many things that have happened in my life and in hunk will continue to make waves in the film industry as he the world starting happening after I read this script. Trump portrays the lead role of the baseball pitcher Dock Ellis in the upcoming biopic penned by Joseph Poach. According to Empire Online, O'Shea's upcoming project will see him depict the real life story of the late New York Yankees sportsman - who died in 2008 aged 63 - and his battle against racism in the Major League Baseball during the 1960s and 1970s. And the creative team believe O'Shea is the "perfect fit" to play the titular role. Speaking about the forthcoming project, producer David Permut, who will be backing the film with The Firm's Jeff Kwatinetz - said: "Joey Poach's script is one of the most heartfelt, honest and emotional pieces of material I've read in years, and I think the complexities of the character are a perfect fit for O'Shea." O'Shea's 47-year-old father - whose real name is O'Shea Jackson Senior - is also set to be on hand to pro- duce the movie as he will be involved via his entertain- ment company Cube Vision. However, the production team are still searching for a film director to jump on board and help to create the movie, which is why a release date has yet to be confirmed. O'Shea is set for a busy year ahead as he stars in the comedy production 'Ingrid Goes West', which is set for release in November this year, as well as the 'Godzilla' follow-up that is slated to be released on March 22, 2019. lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

MUSIC & MOVIES

In this June 17, 1967 photo is the scene on the football field at Monterey Peninsula In this June 18, 1967 file photo, Jimi Hendrix per- In this June 18, 1967 photo, Roger Daltry, In this June 16, 1967 photo, co-producer John College where over 20,000 people camped during the Monterey Pop Festival in forms at the Monterey Pop Festival in Monterey, left, and Keith Moon, right, of The Who Phillips, left, talks with Alan Pariser, right, at the Monterey, Calif. — AP photos Calif. perform at the Monterey Pop Festival in Monterey Pop Festival in Monterey, Calif. Monterey, Calif. Backstage beefs, onstage magic: Monterey Pop 50 years later

efore Burning Man and Bonnaroo, Coachella and of "Wild Thing," kneeling over his guitar and setting it on Lollapalooza, Glastonbury and Governors Island, fire before smashing it repeatedly and tossing the remains Bthere was Monterey Pop. Fifty years ago this week, into the crowd. Not all the biggest names of the day played the three-day concert south of San Francisco became the Monterey. The list of cancellations and no shows was centerpiece of the "Summer of Love" and paved the way equally impressive, including the Rolling Stones (Mick for today's popular festivals. The Monterey International Jagger and Keith Richards couldn't get work visas because Pop Festival created the template for giving emerging of drug arrests), the Beatles, the Beach Boys, the Kinks, and artists exposure alongside blockbuster bands while show- Bob Dylan. casing different genres of music in outdoor settings. John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas came up with the idea Festival's golden anniversary for three days of music with proceeds going to charitable Two years later, Adler got a call asking if he wanted to causes. He brought in Grammy-winning record producer help put together Woodstock on a farm in upstate New In this June 17, 1967 photo is the scene on the football Lou Adler, promoter Alan Pariser and publicist Derek Taylor, York. He declined. Held at the Monterey County field at Monterey Peninsula College where over 20,000 who worked with the Beatles. The festival was planned in Fairgrounds, attendance numbers vary from 25,000 to people camped during the Monterey Pop Festival in just seven weeks with the goal of validating rock music as 90,000 people, easily tripling the county's population. It Monterey, Calif. an art form in the same way that jazz and folk were regard- was a one-time only event because by the next year ed in 1967. things had changed. Adler cites money issues and "angry "The focus was the music and how to present it in the people who didn't like that hippies were in their town." best possible way," Adler said recently at the Grammy In this June 17, 1967 photo shows two women at the The festival is featured at the Grammy Museum in a new Museum in Los Angeles. "The byproduct of that was the Monterey Pop Festival in Monterey, Calif. exhibit called "Music, Love and Flowers 1967" that runs feeling that took place in Monterey - love and flowers." through Oct 22. Monterey Pop spawned an eponymous Organizers sought out the best musicians, sound and light- Redding, who died six months later in a plane crash. nonprofit foundation that donates to musical and ing systems and food "in order to lift the level of what rock Redding was backed by Booker T. and the MGs. Bandleader humanitarian efforts in the names of the festival's origi- 'n roll should be," Adler said. They signed on Jefferson Booker T Jones was 22 and "an innocent guy" at the time, nal performers. Its money comes from video and audio Airplane, The Who, the Grateful Dead, the Jimi Hendrix he recalled. "There we were in our green mohair suits and profits generated by the festival. Experience, Simon & Garfunkel, Big Brother and the ties and our white shirts and there was everybody else with The festival's golden anniversary will be celebrated June Holding Company featuring Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, Ravi long hair and smoking," Jones said by phone from his 16-18 at the Monterey Fairgrounds. The lineup includes Shankar, and The Mamas & the Papas. Nevada home. "I had never smoked stuff before. There's all three acts that played the original: Eric Burdon and the this stuff in the air. I got the contact high." Animals, Booker T Stax Revue and Phil Lesh. Others artists Drug-related problems include Leon Bridges, Gary Clark Jr, The Head and the "We sort of had our pick," Adler recalled, noting no one Destroying guitars and amplifiers Heart, Jack Johnson and Norah Jones (Shankar's daughter). booked acts that far out at the time. It was Shankar's intro- Jones and his band were escorted to the show by the Three-day tickets cost from $295 to $695 for a VIP package. duction to an American audience, and the Indian sitar play- Hells Angels motorcycle gang. "I remember the music The original prices ranged from $3 to $6.50. Fifty years lat- er was the only one who got paid, Adler said. He received impressing me," he said. "We'd only been doing R&B. I er, Adler is in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, having worked $3,000, while the others had their flights and hotels learned to love rock 'n roll during that time." Backstage, the with some of music's biggest names. Today, the white- comped. "Everybody just wanted to play and that's why era's peace and love vibe didn't extend to Hendrix and haired, beret-wearing 83-year-old is best known as Jack they signed on," Adler said. Below the single stage that Pete Townshend of The Who. Both were known for destroy- Nicholson's seatmate at Los Angeles Lakers games. He reg- hosted 32 acts was a 24-hour cafe serving the artists steak ing guitars and amplifiers. Adler recalled that neither want- ularly attends Coachella in the Southern California desert, and lobster. The organizers also set up a first-aid clinic for ed the other to perform first, so Phillips flipped a coin. The still imbued with the easygoing spirit of Monterey. "I could- concertgoers and help for drug-related problems. Who won. n't have asked for more," Adler said. "We're still talking "If the artist is happy and the audience is comfortable, "Hendrix jumped upon a table and said, 'OK, you little about it." — AP In this June 18, 1967 photo, Pete Townshend of The Who then that's a start," Adler said. "If the audience can give (expletive)," Adler recalled. "No matter what you do, I'll do smashes his guitar after their performance at the back to the performer, then that's a chemistry that is hard something that burns you.'" Aware that The Who planned Monterey Pop Festival in Monterey, Calif. to beat." Adler's favorite performance was by soul singer an explosive finale, Hendrix capped his set with a version Late punk pioneer Alan Auerbach taps veteran acts in Vega's album due next month Nashville for solo album he recording of Dan Auerbach's new solo album Auerbach: I mean, Bobby Wood and Gene was so magical he wanted to film the process, Chrisman who play on the record played on "Natural he first track from a posthumous album power to go on and stand for what we Twhich included him collaborating with some of Woman" by Aretha (Franklin), "I'm in Love" by Wilson of punk pioneer and Suicide singer Alan believe in," she said in a statement. Vega and the most veteran session musicians of all time. But Pickett, "Son of a Preacher Man" by Dusty Springfield - TVega was released on Monday, featur- his band Suicide were one of the defining if Auerbach also felt that he needed to keep his recipe some of the greatest soul records of all-time. That's the ing his signature style of abrasive nihilism. controversial voices of the US underground in safe. "We filmed it, but I didn't like it. I mean, I don't like thing, it doesn't sound like it, it is it. Those guys are the Vega's wife and artistic collaborator Liz the 1970s and were credited with populariz- to give up my secret sauce. But at the same time, it felt sound of those records - it's them. It's hard to kind of Lamere said the album, "IT," would follow on ing the term "punk." so special, I wanted to document it," Auerbach said in a sometimes wrap my head around it. Like, what you're July 14 to mark the anniversary of his death Initially with no songs in any traditional recent interview. "Waiting On a Song" was recorded hearing doesn't sound like a style, it is the root of the last year at age 78. The first single, "DTM," fea- sense, Vega would pound a cheap keyboard last summer in Auerbach's studio in Nashville, style, because the guys who invented it are playing it tures Vega reciting a stream-of-conscious set and shout aggressively at small New York clubs Tennessee, featuring musicians like Rock & Roll Hall of (on my album). It was kind of a trip when you're there of dark thoughts from "goodbye dreams" to as he physically confronted the audience, who Famer Duane Eddy, 14-time Grammy winner Jerry having Duane Eddy play a guitar solo and it's like, "living in the home sewer." often pelted him with chairs. Vega proved to Douglas and Johnny Cash's former bass player Dave 'Man, that sounds like (Duane Eddy). Oh man, it is "DTM-Dead to me," he repeatedly states be an inspiration for gloomy post-punk rockers Roe. The Black Keys leader and producer approached Duane Eddy.' (Laughs.) over a grinding guitar and jarringly incessant in both the United States and Europe but also songwriting differently this time, adopting the normal beat. Vega found inspiration for the album by has been cited as an influence by more main- style in Nashville. AP: It's just that most people don't know their "religiously consuming global news and tak- stream musicians including Bruce Springsteen. He called the switch "life-changing." "We got into names. ing frequent late-night walks alone through- Vega was prolific in his solo work but slowed this schedule where we'd write Monday through Auerbach: Of course, and that's always how it's out the streets of downtown New York," down after a stroke in 2012. His last album was This file photo taken on April 17, 2008 shows Wednesday, and we'd record Thursday through been. In actuality when you look at most of the Lamere said in a statement. "He understood 2010's "Sniper," full of gloomy ambient effects Alan Vega performing at the John Varvatos 315 Saturday every week," he said. "It was really amazing. records that have been popular in the history of we can't control much of what happens to us, by Vega and the French musician and director Bowery opening party to benefit VH1 save the And I sort of haven't stopped. ... It's just something I'm American music, it's really just a handful of musicians or in our world, but we have free will and the Marc Hurtado. — AFP music in New York City. — AFP planning on keeping a part of my diet." In an interview that made all those records. Motown/Stax, Wrecking with The Associated Press, Auerbach - a nine-time Crew, Philly, there were just little camps that made all Grammy winner - discussed the making of his second these records, and I'm just lucky to have a few of those solo album, which was released this month and guys in my stable now that work at the studio all the includes musicians such as David "Fergie" Ferguson, time and have become a part of my process. 'Wonder Woman' buries 'The Mummy' at box office John Prine, Bobby Wood and Gene Chrisman of the uperhero movie "Wonder Woman" grossing $141.8 million in ticket sales Memphis Boys, Pat McLaughlin, Kenny Malone and AP: How are you balancing your bands the maintained its lead at the North in 63 international markets, the largest Russ Pahl. Black Keys and the Arcs, solo stuff and also produc- SAmerican box office over the opening ever for a Cruise film, accord- ing for others? weekend pulling in $58.5 million and ing to Boxofficemojo.com. In third on Associated Press: Did you feel any pressure Auerbach: ... I just work all the time. But it's easy burying newcomer "The Mummy," North American screens was while working with those seasoned acts? because I like it. I have the studio down the street from industry figures showed. The action film DreamWorks Animation's "Captain Auerbach: I think you kind of rise to the occasion my house. I have all these great people. It's a joy really. starring Gal Gadot has grossed an Underpants," based on the popular or you don't get it done. ... Because we're all there to I love it. It's my hobby and my profession. — AP impressive $206.3 million in domestic children's books by Dav Pilkey. The serve the song, that's what's most important, and ticket sales in two weeks, placing it in film, which tells the story of two stu- that's kind of the common thread between all of us. the top tier of movies that have man- dents who hypnotize a school principal aged to maintain such a lead at the box to believe he is a superhero, took in AP: How did being in Nashville shape the office. Gadot, of the "Fast and Furious" $12.2 million for the weekend. album? series, plays an Amazonian goddess- Next was Disney's "Pirates of the Auerbach: (Nashville) supports the music busi- princess-superhero whose lasso, Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales," the ness, whether you like the music or not, it's the music bracelet and tiara have magical powers. latest installment in the popular fran- business there. So it affords a lot of musicians to live Universal's "The Mummy," starring Tom chise starring Johnny Depp as a dread- comfortably in Nashville and I get to benefit from that Cruise, placed second, falling well below locked pirate, at $10.7 million. Fifth because all those guys are there and I get to tap into industry expectations. spot went to another Disney produc- that energy and do some really creative recording at my studio with these guys who love it. Industry tracker Exhibitor Relations tion, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2," at said the movie, the latest revival of the $6.3 million. The lighthearted tale AP: You moved to Nashville from Ohio in 2010. original "Mummy" made in 1932, took about misfit space adventurers played Do you plan to stay for a while? in a disappointing $31.7 million in its by Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Auerbach: I don't ever wanna leave. They had a first weekend. The film, which cost Cooper and Vin Diesel has taken in hard time getting me here (to New York). $125 million, has been widely panned more than $366 million domestically In this May 15, 2017 photo, Dan Auerbach poses This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows Chris by critics. It managed nonetheless to since it opened on May 5. — AFP AP: The album has an old-school soul and R&B for a portrait in New York to promote his solo Pine, left, and Gal Gadot in a scene from, "Wonder make a strong showing overseas, Woman." — AP feel, especially "Stand By My Girl." album, "Waiting On a Song." — AP lifestyle WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017

FEATURE

Specialist restorers work on an old tapestry at the Royal Manufacturers De Wit in Mechelen.

This photograph shows a general view of the Refuge of Tongerlo Abbey, home of Royal tapestry manufacturers De Wit in Mechelen. — AFP photos Bobbins of thread lie arranged in order ready to be used in the restora- tion of old tapestries. Bringing ancient tapestries back to life in Belgium 'In the industry, you can't find the right colors'

he painstaking job of restoring some of the world's finest ancient tapestries, stitch by stitch, is not for the Thighly strung or restless. Returning to its former glory the kind of creation that adorns a cathedral wall or is dis- played at a world-renowned museum can take more than a year for tapestry restorers at Royal Manufacturers De Wit. Tucked away in an elegant medieval monks' residence in Belgium, head restorer Veerle De Wachter and her white-coat- ed, all-female team of 15 labor away with needle and thread, Restored tapestries are displayed at the Royal Manufacturers De Wit. adding thousands of stitches to a single piece. "Someone who is nervous or excitable would never manage it," she tells AFP, seated in front of a vast wall stacked with bundles of thread, a colorful reminder of the days when the company produced its own tapestries. The work calls for a demanding degree of focus, knowl- edge of fabrics and thoroughness, she adds. "You need a calm person, who can work in a concentrated manner without being distracted with what's going on around them." As well as the traditional meticulous craftsmanship, resuscitating the faded scenes and preparing them for the future ravages of A specialist time requires modern technology. 'Luminous, infinite' colors The restorers have also had to develop expertise in remov- restorer works on an old tapestry. Million-dollar project ing huge tapestries from their hanging places, a delicate task Museums such as the Louvre in Paris, the Metropolitan given their size, weight and fragility. De Wit recalls the stress Museum of Art in New York and the Hermitage in Saint of a "very dangerous operation", to remove a nine-meter by Petersburg entrust the restorers with their finest pieces in cot- 14-metre (30-foot by 46-foot) tapestry suspended 25 meters ton and silk, some with strands of silver and gold. Based in the high in the entry hall of the United Nations building in New northern Flemish town of Mechelen, the Royal Manufacturers York, using "gigantic scaffolding". Meanwhile, his team of De Wit was founded 1889 and is currently the biggest restorer restorers, silently hunched over their work, seated on benches of old tapestries in the world, based on the value of the pieces in a vast white room, is known, above all, for having an "eye it restores. These have included legendary works like "The Lady for color". Restored tapestries are displayed at the Royal Manufacturers De Wit. and the Unicorn", a series of six tapestries woven in wool and The company makes its own silk and cotton threads to silk in Flanders in the Middle Ages, on display at the Cluny match the original historic colors as closely as possible. "In the museum in Paris. There is also a collection of 29 enormous tap- industry, you can't find the right colors," says De Wachter. "So estries from Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Malta which the we have to dye them ourselves in our laboratory, with colors restorers have been gradually working through over the past which have a high luminosity. That way we can produce infi- dozen years in a project estimated at around one million dol- nite combinations." — AFP lars. Difficult to transport due to their enormity, the 17th centu- ry Flemish tapestries have been sent to Royal Manufacturers De Wit in pairs. First cleaned of dust, the artworks are then washed with an enormous spraying machine. Only once they are dried do the restorers set about their work.

New techniques Restoration overtook tapestry making as the mainstay of the business about 40 years ago. "At the end of the 1970s weaving workshops had a very hard time because tapestries were too expensive and no longer in fashion," says Yvan Maes De Wit, great-grandson of the firm's founder, accounting for the shift towards restoring and conserving historic tapestries. The company came up with new cleaning techniques, using a combination of suction and spraying to protect the fibres against strain. Washing dyed cloth is a very risky step in the restoration process, as cotton often frays and silk disintegrates A specialist restorer threads a needle as A specialist restorer works on an old tapes- An old tapestry is cleaned at the Royal Manufacturers De Wit. over time and in light. she works on an old tapestry. try.

Bobbins of thread lie arranged in order ready to be A specialist restorer works on an old tapestry. A specialist restorer works on an old tapestry. used in the restoration of old tapestries. Bringing ancient tapestriesback to life in Belgium

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017 39

Chinese artist Liu Bolin takes part in a performance with trash pickup by children on beaches, at the headquarters of the Surf Rider Foundation association in Biarritz, southwestern France. — AFP

Bizarre News

Girlfriend cooks dead tarantula Picasso's tiny apology portrait for lover to go on sale in toastie and serves to boyfriend A woman stuffed a dead tarantula inside her tiny portrait which Pablo Picasso set into a ring to boyfriend's cheese toastie. The Mirror Online reports appease his lover Dora Maar after an argument will go Kirsty Matthews was making her boyfriend Daniel under the hammer at Sotheby's London auction house Brookes a cheese, pepperoni, ham, jalapenos and chilli A sauce crusty sandwich, before she decided to spice next week. The piece of jewelry was created by the great Spanish artist after he berated Maar for convincing him to things up a little by adding the huge spider to the trade an artwork for a ruby ring, prompting her to throw it meal. Although zebra tarantulas are edible, Daniel into the River Seine. wasn't expecting his toastie to have the unique flavor it While Maar later searched unsuccessfully for the discarded did and merrily munched on the savory snack before ring, Picasso went to work on creating a replacement with a opening up the slices to find the squashed spider miniature portrait of his muse which he set into a ring encir- inside. He then rushed to the bathroom to be sick. It's cled with flowers. "Picasso has depicted a world on a scale so not known whether couple stayed together following intimate you can hold an entire artistic vision on your finger," Kirsty's prank. said Thomas Bompard of Sotheby's London. Despite their rela- tionship breaking down, Maar kept the ring until her death in 1997. It is expected to fetch up to £500,000 (RM2.6 million) when it is auctioned on June 21. French artist Maar was influ- A model poses with an oval shaped ring designed by Pablo Picasso, during a photocall at Sotheby's auction house ential in Picasso's life as he responded to the Spanish Civil War, in London. — AFP photos most famously with his "Guernica" mural following the bomb- ing of the town. for this role", as Picasso depicted war-torn Europe, according bleue", sold for US$45 million at Christie's in New York. Back in In his "Femme en pleurs" portrait, of a weeping woman fol- to a recent exhibition of Picasso's work at London's National 2006 his "Dora Maar au chat" portrait fetched US$95.21 mil- lowing the devastating bombing raids, Picasso depicts a dis- Portrait Gallery. Picasso continued seeing other lovers during lion at Sotheby's in New York. — AP traught Maar. His muse became "the tragic embodiment of his relationship with Maar and the pair separated in 1946. Last human suffering, her highly strung temperament fitting her month one of Picasso's portraits of Maar, "Femme assise, robe

Group of streakers fined for running past children's park Einstein letters on McCarthy, Israel go up for auction A group of British tourists have been fined for stripping and running through the streets of Majorca. The group of about 20 men left their hotel stark naked, ran through the streets of Palmanova and went for a swim collection of letters written by Albert Einstein is set to Einstein said the foreseeable future didn't portend a "more limited opportunities. Einstein himself declined an offer in in the sea before they then ran back to their establish- go to auction next week, offering a new glimpse at the reasonable political attitude" in the United States, and that 1952 to become Israel's president, though he served remotely ment. Some wore hats and sunglasses to hide their ANobel-winning physicist's views on God, McCarthyism Bohm ought to hold out in Brazil until he gets citizenship on the Hebrew University's first Board of Governors and left identity as they covered their private parts with their and what was then the newly established state of Israel. The before leaving for a more "intellectual atmosphere." his papers to the school in his will. "Israel is intellectually hands, while other opted to let it all hang loose, the five original letters, dated 1951 to 1954 and signed by One idea that came up was relocating to Israel, which had active and interesting but has very narrow possibilities," the Metro newspaper reports. Their route took them passed Einstein, reveal a witty and sensitive side of the esteemed sci- declared independence in 1948. But despite Einstein's ties to Nobel laureate wrote. "And to go there with the intention to a children's park and 18 of the men were fined for entist. They were sent to quantum physicist David Bohm, a Israel's Hebrew University, he believed the country offered leave on the first occasion would be regrettable." exposing themselves in public after being tracked colleague who fled the United States for Brazil in 1951 after down by the police. According to the newspaper the refusing to testify about his links to the Communist Party to Nothing extraordinary men paid the fine and apologized. the House Un-American Activities Committee. Despite Einstein's counsel, Bohm, who was Jewish, left Bohm's widow's estate put the documents on the block Brazil for Israel in 1955, where he taught at Haifa's Technion Children embarrassed by after she passed away last year. One of the yellowing pages, Institute of Technology for two years. There he met his wife, parents colorful clothing bearing Einstein's signature and embossed seal, and a hand- Sarah Woolfson. They married in 1956. A year later the couple More than half of children are embarrassed by their written general relativity equation, opens at $8,000 and is moved to the United Kingdom, where Bohm taught at Bristol mum and dad's clothing choice, according to a new expected to sell for at least twice that. In all, the collection is University until his death in 1992. Mrs Bohm returned to Israel poll. The charity chain Oxfam found that socks with san- expected to fetch over $20,000. Einstein and Bohm became after her husband's death and resided in Jerusalem. She died dals, eccentric hats and wearing leggings on school friends when they both worked at Princeton University. Their in April 2016 and her estate put her husband's letters from runs is a no go for the children, The Sun reports. Some letters touch on quantum physics, the nature of the divine Einstein up for sale at Winner's auction house in Jerusalem. of the children also said they cannot bear to be seen and Bohm's miserable time in Brazil. Roni Grosz, curator of the Albert Einstein Archives at with their parents if they are wearing bright clothing or Hebrew University in Jerusalem, home to the world's largest Crocs. Oxfam did the survey as part of its Dressed By 'The present state of mind' collection of Einstein material, said copies of the Bohm letters The Kids fundraiser on June 16 which aims at making "If God has created the world his primary worry was cer- were already in the archive and that there was "nothing children put adults in bizarre get-ups. tainly not to make its understanding easy for us," Einstein extraordinary" about them. But he said anything connected to assured Bohm in February 1954, a year before his death. In Einstein tends to generate interest. "There's today tremendous Man builds home out of McDonald's rubbish another letter from February 1953, Einstein compares "the interest in all things Einstein. Einstein documents, letters, A former waste management worker has creatively present state of mind" of America gripped by McCarthyist drafts are being on sale all the time," he said. "There's barely a built his own home using McDonald's food wrappers anti-Communism to the paranoia in Germany in the early 20th month that passes with no Einstein documents in auction or and plastic bottles. The Sun newspaper reports Angus century under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Republican Sen Joseph in sale." The auction, which includes copies of other letters Carnie turned the rubbish into materials to build his McCarthy in the 1950s led a hunt for alleged communist trai- sent by Einstein and correspondence by fellow Nobel laureate two-bedroom home near Dundee. Speaking to the tors he believed worked in the government and the army. Louis de Broglie, will be held on June 20, though early bids are paper Angus, 55, said: "People thought I was bonkers Bohm, who left the United States in the midst of the so- being accepted online. — AP but I said 'I'll manage - I'm Scottish'." The price Angus called Red Scare, conveyed dismay and displeasure about liv- paid overall for his new home was roughly around ing in Brazil, where he was working at the University of Sao £15,000 - a massive reduction from current properties Paulo. He said he had trouble adjusting to the local food. on the market. Angus reportedly started the produc- Einstein, then 75, offers sympathy to his younger colleague for This photo provided by Winner’s Auction tion on his ideal home after surviving a brain tumor the "instability of your belly, a matter where I have myself House shows a letter of Albert Einstein to scare.—Bang Showbiz extended experience." He suggested getting a good cook. Professor David Bohm from 1954. — AP